Tanzania to be a prime trade hub for India after India signs Pan-Africa Free Trade Agreement - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar says

New Delhi – External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has pointed out that as soon as India signs a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the African continent, Tanzania will become the hub of India’s trade. EAM Jaishankar, who arrived on a visit to Tanzania, made this claim while addressing the entrepreneurs of this country. For the last few days, there have been reports of India being eager to enter into an FTA with Pan Africa, i.e., all African countries. Against this backdrop, EAM’s statement draws much attention.

There is still a sense of anger in the African continent against the Western imperialists, who looted the African continent and exploited its natural resources. Besides that, new imperialist countries like China also seem to be looting African countries in every possible way in the name of investment and trade. Thus, initially welcoming Chinese investment, these African countries seem trapped in Chinese debt. Under such circumstances, African countries look towards India with great faith.

India has adopted the policy of presenting the problems of the poor and underdeveloped countries of the Global South, i.e. Latin America, Africa and the Asian continent, at the international level. It is getting huge support from African countries. In such a situation, India’s trade with African countries is increasing. India initiated supplying vaccines to African countries during the Coronavirus pandemic. Faith has been growing among African countries that India’s investment in Africa develops the countries here, does not threaten them, and is safe. It positively impacts the relations between India and African countries.

In such a position, India has started taking steps to expand cooperation with African countries, and Jaishankar’s visit to Tanzania underlines this once again. Jaishankar claimed that as soon as India and the pan-Africa FTA were in place, Tanzania would be a gateway for India’s trade. It brings to the fore that India has been trying to develop an economic partnership with the African continent by entering into an FTA.

India has provided $32 billion in credit to about 42 African countries. Also, India offers scores of technical and education-related assistance to African countries. India had initiated supplying food grains, medicines and other essential goods to African countries. Considering this, there have been clear indications that India’s influence will increase significantly on the African continent in the coming times.