India and Africa are natural partners with historical and cultural ties: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

India and Africa are natural partners with historical and cultural ties: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal said that India and Africa are natural partners with historical and cultural ties. While delivering the Keynote Address at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on 'India-Africa Growth Partnership' in New Delhi today, the Minister recounted that Mahatma Gandhi first practised principles of Satya and Ahimsa in South Africa and Mr. Nelson Mandela took forward this invaluable legacy. 

The Minister mentioned his recent interaction with 15 Ambassadors from the African region which was a step towards strengthening this relationship. He said that the bilateral trade of India with Africa grew by 9.26% in FY 2022-23 reaching almost $100 Billion. Shri Goyal said that the exports and imports were approximately balanced with exports being US$ 51.2 Billion and imports being US$ 46.65 Billion in FY 2022-23. He expressed confidence in achieving the goal of doubling the trade volume to US$ 200 Billion by 2030. The Minister said that the young aspirational population can help achieve this goal.