EMRC promotes the development of Africa’s agricultural sector with Africa-India exchange .

Brussels-based international organization EMRC will host its first agricultural economic mission to Hyderabad, capital city of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where 35 African delegates will be immersed in the high-end agricultural technology of India.  The Economic Mission aims to foster partnerships between Africa and India in the sectors of Agricultural Research, Soil and Water Conservation and Management, Biofuels, Fresh Produce Management, Knowledge Parks, Seed Value Chain and Equipment.  

Hyderabad is the fifth largest metropolitan area in India and is home to several Centres of Excellence in biotech research and training, making it the ideal location to bring together the public and private sector from Africa and India.  The Economic Mission is organised in close collaboration with ICRISAT – the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics – and features unique site visits where the delegation will discuss the transfer of technology and know-how, as well as potential business collaborations and joint ventures.

ICRISAT is an international non-profit organisation which is a member of the alliance of centers of the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agriculture Research). “In our efforts to improve the lives of the poorest in the Semi Arid Tropics (SAT) of the world, which covers Africa and Asia (predominantly India), we are honoured to jointly prepare a path to agricultural development with EMRC.” Abdul Rahman Ilyas, ICRISAT Chief Operating Officer.   

The programme will also feature personalised Business Meetings, with entrepreneurs, investors and government officials, from India, who are interested in agricultural business collaboration and investment in Africa. The Business meetings will be organised in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries. 

EMRC’s Africa-India mission will be held from Sunday 28th February to Friday 5th March 2010 in Hyderabad and interested parties from African public and government bodies, as well as private organisations and entrepreneurs are urged to apply to secure their place in the delegation.

“Our collaboration with ICRISAT and other Indian enterprises started last year, since then we have witnessed a growing interest from both Indian and African decision makers for collaboration. India has a lot to offer Africa in terms of knowledge, service and equipment and we look forward to creating sustainable partnerships that will contribute positively to the boosting of Africa’s agricultural sector.” Idit Miller, EMRC VP & Managing Director.

While the delegation is limited to only 35 delegates, EMRC is confident that the 1st Africa-India Economic Mission will establish the groundwork for a long and fruitful collaboration, leading to many more missions in the future.  

For further information, please contact:  

Caterina Giulano

EMRC, Africa-India Economic Mission Project Manager

Tel. : +32 2 626 1518

Fax : +32 2 626 1516

cg@emrc.be