<p>"For Africans of Indian origin, the bonds tying them to the land of their origin have hitherto been social and cultural. In the changing economic paradigm, you must increasingly look at India as a land of economic opportunity," he said here.<br />He was addressing a gathering of 400 delegates of Indian diaspora at the inauguration dinner of first African Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) which is being held here on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today.<br /><br />"For India, the African continent is exceedingly important, both at the regional and global level. We have a strong tradition of supporting each other, based on principles," Ravi said highlighting importance of the theme of the convention, 'India and Africa – building bridges'.<br /><br />The Minister said that the overseas Indian community were being recognised and respected for their hard work, discipline, non-interference and for successfully integrating with local communities all over the world.<br />Ravi called for proactive and sustained partnerships as he explained that his objective was to facilitate a partnership and leverage the knowledge, expertise and skills of the Indian community for a meaningful and mutually beneficial contribution to the development of India.<br /><br />Lauding the Africans of Indian origin, who had gathered at the PBD, Ravi said, "we are glad to see that they are making valuable contributions to nation building, economic growth, business and trade in all the countries of Africa. We hope that their contribution will grow, as this will help African economies grow and prosper."<br />Emphasising that the African continent had now joined the march of modernity and globalisation, Ravi said that throughout Africa, there was new hope and new ambitions of a future filled with great possibilities.<br /><br />Speaking at the same gathering, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize said India was a 'trusted and true friend of South Africa' as he recalled the almost lone struggle of India to bring the apartheid issue to world's attention.<br />"The independence of India became a huge inspiration for South Africa as we hoped that one day we too would be free like India," Mkhize said.<br />Citing the example of Andhra Pradesh sending 500 farmers to help Kenya develop local skills in the fight against poverty, Mkhize said "Africa needed the support of India to unlock the rich resources of the continent."</p>
<p>"For Africans of Indian origin, the bonds tying them to the land of their origin have hitherto been social and cultural. In the changing economic paradigm, you must increasingly look at India as a land of economic opportunity," he said here.<br />He was addressing a gathering of 400 delegates of Indian diaspora at the inauguration dinner of first African Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) which is being held here on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today.<br /><br />"For India, the African continent is exceedingly important, both at the regional and global level. We have a strong tradition of supporting each other, based on principles," Ravi said highlighting importance of the theme of the convention, 'India and Africa – building bridges'.<br /><br />The Minister said that the overseas Indian community were being recognised and respected for their hard work, discipline, non-interference and for successfully integrating with local communities all over the world.<br />Ravi called for proactive and sustained partnerships as he explained that his objective was to facilitate a partnership and leverage the knowledge, expertise and skills of the Indian community for a meaningful and mutually beneficial contribution to the development of India.<br /><br />Lauding the Africans of Indian origin, who had gathered at the PBD, Ravi said, "we are glad to see that they are making valuable contributions to nation building, economic growth, business and trade in all the countries of Africa. We hope that their contribution will grow, as this will help African economies grow and prosper."<br />Emphasising that the African continent had now joined the march of modernity and globalisation, Ravi said that throughout Africa, there was new hope and new ambitions of a future filled with great possibilities.<br /><br />Speaking at the same gathering, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize said India was a 'trusted and true friend of South Africa' as he recalled the almost lone struggle of India to bring the apartheid issue to world's attention.<br />"The independence of India became a huge inspiration for South Africa as we hoped that one day we too would be free like India," Mkhize said.<br />Citing the example of Andhra Pradesh sending 500 farmers to help Kenya develop local skills in the fight against poverty, Mkhize said "Africa needed the support of India to unlock the rich resources of the continent."</p>