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Gabon's first Agricultural SEZ inaugurated by Dharmendra Pradhan

2023-06-16

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, flagged off Gabon's inaugural Agri-SEZ project from New Delhi, as stated by the Education Ministry. The project's first phase involves the participation of 30 farmers, along with 20 B.Sc./M.Sc. Agri and B.Tech/M.Tech Engineering students from Gajapati district, who will serve as agri-technical and technical consultants for the development of the agricultural SEZ. During the event, Pradhan highlighted the strengthening India-Africa relationship, stating, "From Gajapati to Gabon, from Cheetahs to Climate Change, the India-Africa relationship is going from strength to strength."

He expressed confidence that establishing an agriculture and food processing special economic zone in Gabon would be a significant milestone in enhancing food security and self-sufficiency in the country. Pradhan also emphasised the positive trajectory of India-Africa relations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with numerous high-level visits between India and Africa. He highlighted the role of anti-colonial solidarity, diasporic goodwill, and the principle of 'South-South' cooperation in strengthening the partnership between India and the African continent.

Development partnership emerged as a key pillar in India's African policy, with India extending concessional loans amounting to over USD 12.3 billion and providing USD 700 million in grant assistance for development projects across various sectors in Africa, as stated by the Union Minister. Regarding India's G20 Presidency, Pradhan described it as a unique opportunity to amplify the voice and concerns of the Global South and developing countries, thereby further enhancing India-Africa relations. Overall, the inauguration of Gabon's first Agricultural Special Economic Zone marks a significant step towards promoting agricultural development and fostering closer ties between India and Africa.