YES Bank Partners India Africa Business Forum, Hosted by Ministry of External Affairs

YES BANK partnered India Africa Business Forum, hosted by Ministry of External Affairs, as the ‘Gold Partner’. The event, organized as a part of the India Africa Business Summit, saw participation from luminaries such as Smt. Sushma Swaraj (Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs), H.E. Mr. Seth E Terkper (Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Ghana), H.E. Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia), H.E. Mr. Tom Alweendo (Hon’ble Minister of National Planning, Namibia), Hon. Obeth Kandjoze (Minister of Mines & Energy, Namibia), Mr. Siraj Hussain (Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture), H.E. Fiffi Fiavi Kwetey (Hon’ble Minister for Food & Agriculture, Ghana), H.E. John Mutorwa (Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Namibia) and H.E. Dr. Allan Chiyembekeza (Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Malawi).

Mr. Rana Kapoor, President, ASSOCHAM and MD & CEO, YES BANK, said, “India and Africa have been working together on key pillars of trade, technology and training, with India contributing towards transforming Africa’s socio-economic landscape through innovative capacity building programs, setting up training institutes and deployment of ICT to help build Africa as a knowledge economy. These initiatives will help in creating a new generation of skilled and technology-driven workers across key sectors, including agriculture, food processing, IT, vocational training and entrepreneurship. The forthcoming landmark visit of leaders from 54 African Nations, demonstrates the deep commitment of both regions to re-energize existing relations and elevate India-Africa relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.

ASSOCHAM through its recently opened International Offices across Africa and the India – Africa Business Promotion Council, is fully committed to further strengthen trade, investment and cultural exchanges between the two regions. On behalf of the 450,000 corporate member entities of ASSOCHAM, I extend a very warm welcome to the visiting African Heads of States and the accompanying delegation.”

The forum was divided into multiple sessions focusing on key themes such as enhancing partnership through new initiatives, collaboration to address Africa’s infrastructure needs, partnership for energy and sustainable development, delivering affordable healthcare solutions for Africa, complementing growth through transforming agriculture, mapping India’s development initiatives in Africa & way forward and empowering entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa by leveraging Indian innovation & technology.

Speaking at the event Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs said, “Indian companies must invest in African countries as they offer resources and growth opportunities that can be a win-win situation for both sides. With a combined population of 2.3 bn, both regions stand among the fastest growing major economies in the world. This provides unparalleled economic opportunities for our businesses and investors.”

The dynamic relationship between India and Africa is built on a shared future, common natural resources, similar demographics and large domestic markets. As both regions aim to increase bilateral trade five-fold to USD 500 billion by 2020, it will be critical for Governments, Industry and other key stakeholders to focus on greater market access, availability of trade finance and simplification of bilateral business processes and tax regime.

About YES BANK

YES BANK, India’s fifth largest private sector Bank with a pan India presence across all 29 states and 7 Union Territories of India, headquartered in the Lower Parel Innovation District (LPID) of Mumbai, is the outcome of the professional & entrepreneurial commitment of its Founder Rana Kapoor and its top management team, to establish a high quality, customer centric, service driven, private Indian Bank catering to the future businesses of India. YES BANK has adopted international best practices, the highest standards of service quality and operational excellence, and offers comprehensive banking and financial solutions to all its valued customers.

YES BANK has a knowledge driven approach to banking, and offers a superior customer experience for its retail, corporate and emerging corporate banking clients. YES BANK is steadily evolving as the Professionals’ Bank of India with the long term mission of “Building the Best Quality Bank of the World ndiain India” by 2020.