Dubai : The International Day of People of African Descent was organized by the India Africa Trade Council and the ECOWAS Desk in Dubai at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah. Various MOUs were signed by the ECOWAS Trade Commissioner Hon. Salih CP, Chairman of the AASA Group of companies and various other stakeholders of the business and trade community in presence of the Ambassadors of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Sudan, Ethiopia, Vanuatu, India, Ghana, Sierra Leone. The Main guest was the Chief of Police of Ajmat H.H. Sheikh Sultan Abdullah Al Nuaimi. The event also saw the presence of the large delegation from Ghana headed by the His Royal Highness Kuoro Bareceh Nlowie Baninye II, who is the
President, Traditional Rulers Association of Ghana. Hon. Ghanem Al Falasi, Senior Vice President, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dr. Arshi Ayub Mohamed Zaveri CEO | Senior Advisor Royal Family Offices and Farzam Kamalabadi the Chairman, Future Trends Group
And the President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization Dr. Asif Iqbal
The event which was attended by the Diplomatic community in the UAE. The Chairman of the AASA Group of companies greeted the various Ambassadors and pledged the commitment of support between the UAE and ECOWAS nations for a robust partnership. There is a huge interest in India for Africa, a region with great scope for bilateral trading opportunities in MSME, Pharma, Mining, Agribusiness, Aquaculture and Manufacturing sector. This collaboration will also be useful for identifying business partners, collaborations, alliances, setting up industrial units, utilise the India UAE Africa bridge to market products and services and other related business activities as well as to take up issues to concerned authorities.
The International Day of People of African Descent is a powerful occasion that transcends borders, celebrating the rich heritage and cultural contributions of African-descendant communities around the world. Beyond commemoration, this day provides an opportunity to explore the unique lifestyle angle that encapsulates the essence of Ubuntu – a philosophy that emphasises interconnectedness and collective well-being. In this essay, we will delve into the lifestyle aspects that underscore the celebrations on this special day, focusing on community, art, cuisine, and ancestral connections. Central to the lifestyle of people of African descent is the recognition of ancestral connections. This day provides an opportunity for individuals to honor their forebearers, acknowledging their struggles, sacrifices, and wisdom that shaped the course of history. Through storytelling, rituals, and spiritual practices, these communities pay homage to their roots, embracing a lifestyle that values ancestry and heritage as an integral part of their identity. As the International Day of People of African Descent unfolds, the lifestyle angle emerges as a beautiful tapestry that weaves together the essence of Ubuntu – interconnectedness, community, and shared experiences.
The India Africa Trade Council-ECOWAS region office in Dubai UAE and in India will put efforts to take full advantage of Economic Cooperation Agreement between the two regions and organize various activities to educate and create a conducive business atmosphere amongst the Indian SME Investor Sector for better business growth and investment promotion.
Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia His Excellency Gabriel Sinimbo said global trade relations were essential and it was gratifying to see the development of trade relations between India and Namibia. The Expo2020 saw the magnificient rise of Dubai as an international destination for bringing and inviting businesses enabling relationships for mutual benefit
“As the Trade Commissioner of the ECOWAS organization, my goal is to build bilateral relations reach new heights between India and Central west african countries and our forthcoming delegation in 2024 will be on to deepen and diversify the relationship by identifying new synergetic areas for cooperation and collaboration, especially after the establishment of new trade mechanisms between our countries for trade and commerce” said Hon Salih CP who is looking to bridge the companies for business in UAE. Varioius indian delegations will explore opportunities in areas of contractual farming, poultry industry, meat processing and agricultural collaborations and also identify other opportunities for building up a robust infrastructure needs of the country.
The Ambassador of Zimbabwe expressed great interest in supporting the trade relations between the two countries and invited the trade community to explore all the available choices for investors. India and Zimbabwe have enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era. The issues that can be discussed during the meeting will include taking forward the development partnership between India and Zimbabwe with focus on food and health security, capability building and the digital domain.
India and Central West Africa are connected through the UAE and Dubai in particular. “Tourism sector is an important part for Indian travellers and we will try to bridge this sector in our trade offices” said Ms. Lavanya Kathir, the Director of Kathir Group of Institutions. “Big countries like India are helping to excel in the trade sector. At the same time, tier 2 cities are growing industrially and supporting economic growth. In this way, it has been established to improve the relationship between India and India and African countries and to gain superiority in trade and industry” said Prof Hugh , the Ambassador of Vanuatu from Ghana. He came all the way to UAE to attend the event on the invitation of the Trade Commissioner of ECOWAS.
As part of the ceremony, Founder Chairman Mr.Salih CP from AASA Group was appointed as the Trade Commissioner to promote better relations between India and ECOWAS nations and presented with certificate from the Ambassadors of Afrian nations.