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President Mutharika’s Successful State Visit to India ................................................................................................. 4
President Mutharika’s Visit Strengthens Malawi-India Ties ......................................................................................... 7
President Mutharika Pays Homage to India’s Father of the Nation.............................................................................10
President Mutharika Engages Indian Leadership on Malawi-India Ties .......................................................................12
Malawi Attaches Great Importance to Relations with India - President Mutharika .......................................................14
India Desires to Revitalise and Recharge Ties with Malawi - President Patil ..............................................................16
Malawi and India Sign Working Agreements ...........................................................................................................18
President Mutharika Invites Indian Investors to Malawi ............................................................................................20
India is Home-Away-from-Home for President Mutharika - Pilot ................................................................................24
Business Forum a High Point in India-Malawi Relationship - Kirloskar ........................................................................30
Indian Expatriate Population Migrating to Malawi is on the Rise ................................................................................32
African Union Agreed to Make Africa a Food Basket of the World .............................................................................34
A Look Back at Student Days of President Mutharika in Delhi University in Early 60s ..................................................36
President Mutharika was Thrilled to Meet College Batchmates from Delhi University - Principal Dr. Jain ......................42
President Mutharika Most Distinguished Alumnus of Shri Ram College - Jaitley ..........................................................44
Mutharika Wanted to Study in a Third World Country. He Was an Intellectual Even as a Student - Prof. Singh ............46
Africa in The Global Matrix – Strategic Engagements with India ...............................................................................48
University of Delhi Confers an Honorary Degree on President Mutharika ...................................................................51
Delhi University, My Own University - President Mutharika .......................................................................................52
Malawi Technocrats Face to Face with the Private Sector in India ............................................................................55
Malawi Mission Diplomats Donate Blankets and Cash to Callista Mutharika Safe Motherhood Foundation ....................57
Farewell ...............................................................................................................................................................59
Published byHigh Commissiion of the Republic of MalawiF-63, Poorvi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057, INDIATel: +91 (11) 4607 8800 • Fax: +91 (11) 4607 8810E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Malawi-India in Focus is a special publication. While every effort has been made to produce an error free magazine, the Malawi High Commission assumes no responsibility for inadvertent errors. The publication has no commercial value and is not for sale. It is for private circulation only.
C o n t e n t s
The President of the Republic of Malawi, Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika, inspecting the Guard of Honour at the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
Produced by Krest PublicationsB-7/107 A, Ground Floor, Safdarjung Enclave Extension, New Delhi-110029, IndiaTel.: +91 (11) 4653 9323 • Fax : +91 (11) 4610 5603 E-mail: [email protected]
Printing:Rave India
4
“President Mutharika’s successful state Visit to India”
Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, High Commissioner of Malawi to India
In 1958, a young man from Malawi (then Nyasaland Protectorate) in his early
20s arrived in Delhi in pursuit of higher education. He enrolled at Sri Ram College of Commerce of the University of Delhi for a Bachelor of Commerce degree course. Over 50 years later on 2 November 2010, the same man arrived in Delhi on a state visit to India as President of the independent Republic of Malawi and Chairman of the African Union. This remarkable man is no other than His Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika. This special publication of the Malawi High Commission is dedicated to President wa Mutharika’s state visit to India at the invitation of the President of India, Her Exce l l ency Mrs . P ra t ibha Devisingh Patil.
The state visit was from 2 to 7 November 2010, and His Excellency President Bingu wa Mutharika was accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Madam Callista Mutharika, six cabinet ministers and a 45-member business delegation.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency President Bingu wa Mutharika for the highly successful state visit to India. During the visit His Excellency the President held fruitful discussions with the President of the Republic of India Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Vice-President Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and other dignatories. During the talks, the two sides discussed bilateral as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the discussions the Indian Prime Minister announced the reopening of the Indian Mission in Lilongwe. This initiative by the Indian Government is a clear manifestation of the desire to enhance and strengthen the friendly relations and engagement between India and Malawi. Malawi opened its Mission in Delhi in February 2007.
We are grateful to India for extending two lines of credit totaling US$80 million so far to support its developmental goals. During this state visit, India offered a special credit line of US$100 million to further support Malawi’s developmental priorities. In addition to the credit line, India also offered a special grant of US$5 million for capacity building in Malawi, including the establishment of
| From the High Commissioner’s Desk |
5
an SME incubation centre. The establishment of this centre in Malawi will greatly enhance skills transfer and access to appropriate technology, which has been a major constraint in the development of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector in Malawi. In keeping with the spirit of South-South Cooperation, India is already supporting Malawi with human resource development through the India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
Malawi exports to India have shown remarkable growth in recent years, increasing from US$7 million in 2008-09 to US$103 million in 2009-10. Both sides reiterated the need to further increase trade between the two countries to US$300 million by 2013 as well as expand the trade basket of products. The Indian Prime Minister commended Malawi for acceding to the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme offered by India to 33 Least Developed Countries in Africa to provide greater market access. It was noted during the discussion that Malawi had increased its capacity to produce pulses which were finding greater market access in India.
The Malawi side commended India for the Pan Africa e-Network Project which facilitates tele-education, tele-medicine and video-conferencing between India and Africa. This project has been completed at three sites in Malawi: the VVIP video conferencing facility in Lilongwe, tele-medicine facility at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe and the tele-education facility at Chancellor College in Zomba. It is my sincere hope that more and more Malawian students will take advantage of this tele-education facility to enroll for short-term and long-term courses with Indian colleges and universities.
On the African front, India felicitated the Malawi President for his successful leadership of the African Union. India committed itself to continue to enhance cooperation and support the development of Africa.
The Chairman of the African Union commended India for the strengthening of ties between India and the African Union, especially after the Indo-Africa Forum Summit of 2008. The Indian Prime Minister emphasized that India looks forward to the next India-Africa Forum Summit
to be held next year in Africa. The Malawian President welcomed this initiative and noted with satisfaction India’s capacity building support to Africa and how it was contributing to the development of African countries. He also noted and commended India for its offer to establish 20 capacity building institutions in Africa.
The tow leaders noted with satisfaction the strengthening
of the growing partnership between the two countries with the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on mineral resources development, rural development, health and medicine and general cooperation agreement. This brought the number of MOUs signed between the two countries this year alone to eight, a clear manifestation of the strengthening of cordial relations between the two countries.
The Malawi leader reaffirmed Malawi’s support to India’s bid for a non-permanent United
Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat for the 2011-2012 term and for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in an expanded UNSC. It is pleasing to note that the Indian Government appreciates this support.
The President of Malawi had a chance to interact with the business community from both countries during a Business Forum luncheon hosted by India’s three chambers of industry: Confederation of
| From the High Commissioner’s Desk |
President Mutharika being received by Mr. Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology of India as the Head of State from
Malawi touched down at Palam Airport in New Delhi on 2 November 2010
6
Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) at Taj Mansingh Hotel. Addressing an interactive session on “India and Malawi: Partners for Progress”, President Muthar ika inv i ted India ’s business community to invest in Malawi. He challenged the business community to exceed the two-way trade target of US$300 million within three years.
Another important engagement of the Malawian President,
concerning the African Union and the African continent. Preceding this meeting, the President had a lunch meeting with the alumni of his alma mater Shri Ram College of Commerce (SSRC), during which the President met his old friends and colleagues of the “Class of 61”. This particular session made him walk down the memory lane as he met his classmates that he graduated with in 1961.
The state visit was crowned by a special convocation at the prestigious University of Delhi where the Vice-President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari, in
his joy at receiving the award from his alma mater.
At the end of the successful state visit, His Excellency Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of India for the warm and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation and the excellent arrangements made for their visit to India. The President warmly extended an invitation to the President of India to visit Malawi on mutually agreed dates.
I am grateful to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Prof. Etta Elizabeth Banda, and Mr. Patrick Kabambe, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, for their guidance and support throughout the preparations and during the state visit. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all the Ministers who accompanied His Excellency the President on the visit for their encouragement and support.
I would l ike to thank the Confederation of India Industries (C I I ) f o r o rgan i z ing and coordinating the Business Forum held at Taj Mansingh Hotel. In a special way, I would also like to applaud the business community from both Malawi and India for the special role they played during the business interactive session. I am confident that the journey that was started during the business forum will end in enhanced trade between our two countries.
Finally, I would like to recognize in a special way the tremendous support received from the following Indian companies: Apollo International, Overseas International Agency, Tata, Angelique International, Mohan Group, Safetec, Tafe Tractors, Sonalika Tractors. Their support contributed greatly towards the success of the state visit. To them all, I say thank you. Zikomo Kwambiri.
who is also Chairman of the African Union was the address he made to a packed hall of Africa Group of Ambassadors/High Commissioners and African students who are studying at different universities in New Delhi. This was a very lively interactive session and gave chance to both the Ambassadors/High Commissioners and the students to freely ask questions
his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Delhi conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) on His Excellency President Bingu wa Mutharika in recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities in Malawi, Africa and internationally. In his acceptance speech, President Mutharika reminisced on his experiences as a student at the University of Delhi and expressed
| From the High Commissioner’s Desk |
Malawi High Commissioner to India, Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, introduces President Mutharika to the Malawian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,
Prof. Peter Mwanza, and the rest of the dignitaries in the Malawi delegation
7
| Joint Statement |
1. At the invitation of the President of India Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of Malawi His Excellency Ngwazi Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika undertook a State Visit to India from November 2 - 7, 2010. H.E. Prof. Mutharika was accompanied by Madame Callista Mutharika & 6 ministers and a 45-member business delegation. During the visit H.E. Prof. Mutharika held fruitful discussions with the President of the Republic of India, the Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari, and the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. During talks, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest- bilateral as well as regional and international.
2. During the visit, both sides agreed to strengthen the historical and friendly relations between India and Malawi. The Indian Prime Minister announced the reopening of the Indian mission in Lilongwe. The Malawian side welcomed this initiative of India and saw in it the manifestation of a clear desire to enhance engagement between India and Malawi. Malawi had opened its Mission in Delhi in February, 2007.
3. The Malawian side recalled the recent visit of the Vice-President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari, to Malawi in January 2010. That visit served to revitalise India’s relationship with Malawi
The Malawi-India Joint Statement chronicles major achievements following the conclusion of the November 2010 state visit to India by President Bingu wa Mutharika
President Mutharika’s Visit strengthens Malawi-India ties
President of the Republic of Malawi, Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika and Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh posing for a group photograph at
Hyderabad House in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
8
by establishing high level political contact, increasing development cooperation and creating a larger matrix of economic engagement. Grants of US $ 5 million offered at that time to support Malawi’s development of the social sectors are under utilisation. Projects under the line of credit of US $ 50 million have been identified and a loan agreement will be signed soon. A protocol for Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India was signed to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries. Consultations under this were held between the two Foreign Ministries in October 2010.
4. The Indian leaders felicitated the President of Malawi for his successful leadership of the African Union. India committed itself to continue to enhance cooperation and support the development of Africa. The Malawian side noted with satisfaction the strengthening of ties between India and the African Union, especially after the India Africa Forum Summit -2008. The Indian Prime Minister emphasised that India looks forward to the next India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) to be held next year in Africa. The Malawian Pres ident welcomed the initiative and its next summit in Africa. He noted that India’s capacity building support to Africa was contributing to the development of Africa’s future and the growing economic engagement for mutual benefit was widely welcomed in Africa. It was also noted that India has offered to establish 20 capacity building institutions in Africa including 4 Pan African institutions.
5. India and Malawi attach great importance to the expansion of opportunities for human resource development in Africa. Malawi welcomed the doubling of scholarships, the increase in India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training positions, the introduction of C.V. Raman Science Scholarship Scheme emanating from the decisions of India-Africa Forum Summit. India committed itself to further expansion of such facilities in the future.
6. India supports human resource development and capacity building in Malawi through the ITEC/SCAAP Programme. After the India-Africa Forum Summit 2008, India enhanced the training slots for Malawi from 15 to 30 in 2008-09 and subsequently to 36 in 2010-11. Since 2002-03, over 100 Malawian nationals have availed of the civilian training facilities in India, including through the Special Courses organised during IAFS-2008. India has also offered several new scholarships to Malawi under the decisions of the India Africa Forum Summit for use by Malawian students.
7. Malawi thanked India for extending two lines of credit totalling US $ 80 million so far to support its developmental goals. It was using the credit for developing agriculture, the greenbelt initiative and the one-village-one-product schemes which have contributed to the fulfilment of Malawi’s development goals. India has offered a special credit line of US $ 100 million to further support Malawi’s developmental priorities. India has also offered a special grant of US $ 5 million for capacity building in Malawi including the establishment of a small industry incubator.
8. The Indian Prime Minister stated that he was happy to note that Malawi had acceded to the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme offered by India for 33 Least Developed Countries in Africa to provide greater market access. Malawi welcomed this opportunity to enhance her exports. It was particularly noted that Malawi had increased its capacity to produce pulses which were finding greater market access in India. It was agreed to pursue sustainable trading relationships by finding complementarities among our economies.
9. The bilateral trade between India and Malawi in 2009-10 has increased by almost 100 per cent since 2008-09. Imports from Malawi to India have shown a remarkable growth during this period, increasing from US $ 7 million in 2008-09 to US $ 103 million in the year 2009-10. Both sides reiterated the need to further increase trade between the two countries as well as expand the trade basket of products and to increase bilateral trade to $ 300 million by 2013.
10. The Malawian side commended the Pan Africa e-Network P r o j e c t o f G o v e r n m e n t of India to facilitate tele-education, tele-medicine and video-conferencing facilities between India and Africa. This project has been completed in Malawi at three sites - VVIP Video Conferencing facility in Lilongwe, Tele-medicine facility at the Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe and Tele-education facility at the Chancellor College, Zomba. The project was officially launched on 16 August, 2010.
11. Leaders on both sides noted with satisfaction the strengthening of the growing
| Joint Statement |
9
The President of the Republic of Malawi, Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika and the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil interacting with the media at the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace)
in New Delhi on 3 November 2010, while the First Lady Madame Callista wa Mutharika looks on.
partnership between the two countries with the signing of the following Bilateral Agreements / MoUs during the visit:
a) G e n e r a l C o o p e r a t i o n Agreement;
b) MoU on Cooperation in the field of Mineral Resources Development;
c) MoU on Cooperation in the field of Rural Development;
d) MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
12. Both sides noted that in a rapidly changing world, an important dimension of India-Africa Partnership is our meeting of minds on pressing global issues. These issues include the reform of the United Nations, combat ing internat ional
terrorism, Climate Change, WTO, reform of international financial institutions, combating diseases, eradication of hunger and poverty and promotion of inclusive democratic societies and polities.
13. The Indian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Malawi for its support to India for the non-permanent UNSC seat for the 2011-2012 term and for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the expanded UNSC.
14. Both India and Malawi underlined that terrorism cannot be justified in any form, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. The two sides
agreed on the need for greater cooperation among states in the fight against terrorism. In this context, the two sides urged for early finalization of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which is under discussion at the UN since 1996.
15. His Excellency Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of India for warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and the excellent arrangements made for their visit to India. The President extended an invitation to the President of India to visit Malawi on mutually agreed dates.
| Joint Statement |
10
President Mutharika Pays Homage to India’s Father of the Nation
President Bingu wa Mutharika and First Lady Callista Mutharika laying a wreath at the Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat in Delhi on 3 November 2010. Also in the picture is Mr. Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and
Information Technology of India.
President Mutharika and the First Lady observing a two minutes silence after paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
| Gandhi Memorial |
11
President Mutharika signing
the condolence book
President Mutharika is
presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi
President Mutharika is presented a
scroll of Mahatma Gandhi’s Seven
Social Sins
| Gandhi Memorial |
12
The high level bilateral discussions took place between President Mutharika and President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
President Mutharika engages Indian Leadership on Malawi-India ties
The Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari called on President Mutharika and the two leaders exchanged bonhomie and carried on bilateral discussions which began in Lilongwe in January 2010 when the former paid an
official visit to Malawi. This meeting was held on 3 November 2010 at Hotel Taj Mansingh in New Delhi.
| Meeting Indian Leaders |
13
The Malawi-India official talks were held at Hyderabad House on 3 November 2010. President Mutharika headed the Malawian delegation, while the Indian side was led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
India’s Leader of Opposition,
Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, called on President
Mutharika and discussed issues of
mutual interest
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Mr. S.M. Krishna, called on President Mutharika and discussed bilateral and issues of mutual interest
14
I am happy and feel honoured tonight for this magnificent State Banquet and the warm Indian
hospitality that Your Excellency and the Government of India have accorded me and my entourage.
This State Visit is indeed historic to me and the people of Malawi because having been a student of the University of Delhi over four decades ago, I have returned as Head of State of my country and Chairman of the African Union.
I therefore express my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, the government and the people of India for inviting me to visit India, one of the world’s oldest and largest democracies.
This indeed is a clear manifestation of India’s long standing desire for sustainable cooperation with African
countries including Malawi, in a bid to contribute positively towards the socio-economic development of the African continent.
The Government of Malawi attaches great importance to the relations that exist between our two countries. These relations date back to the colonial era when Indians came to Malawi to construct the railway line from Mozambique into Malawi. Since then, the relations between Malawi and India continue to grow from strength to strength to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
This historic State Visit symbolizes how cordial the relations between our two countries are, and also represents another milestone in our quest to strengthen such cooperation.
Over the years, India has assisted Malawi in various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, energy, industry and science and technology. We have also exchanged high level visits which have gone a long way in enhancing the Malawi/India relations.
For instance, during the visit to Malawi of the Right Honourable Mr. Mohamad Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India early this year, he announced that the Government of India had given a grant of US$5 million to Malawi, out of which US$1 million was dedicated to support the people of northern districts of Karonga and Chitipa who suffered the effects of repeated occurrences of earthquakes.
The people of Malawi were deeply touched by this generous donation.
We are also grateful to the Government
“Malawi Attaches Great Importance to Relations with India” - President Mutharika
President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairman of the African Union speaking at the State Banquet Hosted in His Honour by Her Excellency Mrs Pratibha Patil, President of the Republic of India, on 3 November 2010
| Banquet |
President Mutharika speaking at the State Banquet hosted in his honour by the President of India
15
of India for providing financial resources to Malawi in form of a line of credit. The first of this line of credit amounting to US$30 million was earmarked to support our One Village One Product (OVOP) project and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund through the acquisition of equipment.
The second line of credit of US$50 million is earmarked to support the purchase of equipment from India for Malawi’s developmental projects such as the Green Belt Initiative, Cotton Processing Facilities and the One Village One Product (OVOP) project.
I am pleased that our officials have concluded discussions covering various areas of cooperation. I have no doubt that these will be for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
Notably, we have agreed to cooperate in areas of Health and Medicines, Rural Development, Natural Resources Development, Exemption of Visa on Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports, and an Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation.
I wish to state that as current Chairman of the African Union, I have initiated a consensus on the importance of Africa to move from poverty to prosperity by adopting and implementing a common strategy to reduce poverty among the African people.
One of such strategies is the ability for Africa to grow enough food to feed its people. Thus drawing from the inspiration of India’s green revolution, the African leaders resolved to place the highest priority on development of agriculture and food security so that Africa becomes the Food Basket of the World.
The African leaders further resolved that five years from this year, Africa should produce enough food for all and at affordable prices. They also resolved that after that period, no child in Africa should die of hunger or malnutrition or go to bed on an empty stomach.
We plan to connect the rural and urban regions of the whole continent to enable movement of food from
surplus to deficit areas as well as ease movement of people, goods and services. We shall improve power generation for processing of our raw materials to value added products for the global market.
I, therefore, would like to invite the Government of India to consider financing projects that will enhance the objectives of the African Union. One of the flagships that Africans have agreed on is the African Food Basket Initiative, under which Africa will produce enough food for the continent and the rest of the world.
More specifically, we invite the private sector in India to increase
of our Green Belt initiative under which we plan to bring up to one million hectares of land under irrigation to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and insufficient rainfall.
This is based on the knowledge that India has the Indian Green Revolution which turned this country into one of the most prosperous nations.
We believe the lessons from your experience can help Malawi in achieving a green revolution.
With these remarks, I now request you all to join me in raising our glasses in a toast to the continued
investments in agriculture and food production, transport i n f ra s t ruc tu re and power development, and in information and communication technology.
With regard to Malawi, we are seeking the support of the Indian Government in the implementation
good health of the President of the Republic of India, Her Excellency Pratibha Patil and to the continued success of cooperation between our two Governments.
I Thank You.God Bless India.God Bless Malawi.
| Banquet |
President Mutharika, First Lady Madame Mutharika and President of India Mrs Patil listening to the National Anthem of Malawi at State Banquet
16
“India Desires to Revitalise and Recharge ties with Malawi” - President Patil
President of India Pratibha Patil speaking at the State Banquet hosted in Honour of President Bingu wa Mutharika in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you on your first State Visit to India. The
links between India and Malawi are historical and marked with cordiality and long-standing friendship. My pleasure is all the greater because of your long standing association with India; an association which goes back to the early 1960s when you were a student of the University of Delhi.
Excellency, you have led Malawi to remarkable achievements in the last few years including the implementation of policies leading to the attainment of food security. I take this opportunity to also congratulate you on your appointment as the Chairman of the African Union, which has not only given Malawi an opportunity to play an influential role in Africa, but also globally. We applaud Malawi's leadership role. As
Mahatma Gandhi said, "the history of the world is full of men who rose to leadership, by sheer force of self confidence, bravery and tenacity."
I am convinced that there is a genuine mutual desire to revitalize and recharge the bi lateral relationship. Your State Visit will impart a new momentum to our ties and further broad base our relationship. The decision to re-open the Indian Mission in
Speech of the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil, at the State Banquet hosted in honour of the President of the Republic of Malawi and
Chairman of the African Union on 3 November 2010
| Banquet |
17
President of India Mrs Patil proposing toast to President Mutharika at the State Banquet
Lilongwe is an indication of our desire to give a fresh impetus to our bilateral co-operation.
We would encourage the private sector in both the countries to explore possibilities of forming public private partnerships, to realize the potential for co-operation that abundantly exists in several areas. I am confident that the utilization of the concessional Line of Credits offered by the Government of India to Malawi, would further boost economic and commercial co-operation between the two countries.
I am happy to note that Malawi has completed all formalities for accessing the Indian market under the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries announced at the India - Africa Forum Summit in 2008. The Government of Malawi may like to encourage Malawian exporters to take further advantage of this scheme. We should also look at greater complementarities to enhance our bilateral trade.
The India Africa Forum Summit held in April 2008 designed a new architecture for a structured engagement, interaction and co-operation between India and Africa. We are committed to assist African countries in capacity building, human resource development and other pillars of our co-operation. The Pan African e-network project offers a platform for India to share its expertise with countries in Africa. Your role, Excellency, as the Chairman of the African Union, is very important as we plan for the next India-Africa Summit to be held in Africa next year.
India and Malawi share common perceptions on major international and multilateral issues of mutual interest, and work together in several international fora such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, the WTO and at the African Union. We look forward to working with Malawi on the reform of global institutions of governance, the fight against
terrorism and climate change, and our common endeavour for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
India attaches a great importance to its relations with Malawi. Excellency, the agreements reached during your visit will further strengthen the institutional framework and increase the depth of the bilateral co-operation between the two countries. We share with you a vision of partnership based on friendship and mutual understanding and co-operation.
Distinguished Guests, may I now request you to join me in a toast to:-
- the good health and happiness of His Excellency, President Prof. Bingu Wa Mutharika and Madame Callista Mutharika;
- the continued well-being and prosperity of our two friendly peoples; and
- close fr iendship and co-operation between our two countries.
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Malawi and India sign Working Agreements
India’s Minister for External Affairs, Mr. S.M. Krishna, and the Malawi Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Peter Mwanza, signing the General Cooperation Agreement between India and Malawi in the presence of
President Mutharika and Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
India’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Dr. C.P. Joshi, and the Malawi Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mrs. Anna Kachikho, signing an MoU on cooperation in the field of
rural development between India and Malawi in the presence of President Mutharika and Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
Malawi and India on 3 November 2010 signed four bilateral agreements to deepen cooperation in the fields of health, rural development and mineral resources. President Bingu Wa Mutharika and the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, held discussions on several issues at Hyderabad
House in Delhi before the pacts were signed.
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India’s Minister for Mines and Development of North Eastern Region, Mr. B.K. Handique, and the Malawi Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Peter Mwanza, signing an MoU on cooperation in
the field of Mineral Resources Development between India and Malawi in the presence of President Mutharika and Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
India’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, and the Malawi Minister of Health, Prof. David Mphande, signing an MoU on cooperation in the field of health and
medicine between India and Malawi in the presence of President Mutharika and Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
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President Mutharika Invites Indian Investors to Malawi
Speech by President Mutharika of Malawi and Current Chairperson of the African Union at the Malawi-India
Business Forum, New Delhi, India on 3 November 2010
President Mutharika addressed a well attended business forum and implored the Indian business community to come and invest in Malawi. India’s leading chambers CII, FICCI & ASSOCHAM jointly
organised the event on 3 November 2010 at Hotel Taj Mansingh in New Delhi.
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President Mutharika providing details of the investment and business opportunities in Malawi to prospective Indian investors representing India’s three leading chambers (CII, FICCI & ASSOCHAM)
It gives me great pleasure this afternoon to address the Malawi/India Business
Forum. I am always happy to meet with the private sector because an enlightened business community is a better partner in development than an ignorant one.
To begin with, I want to thank Her Excellency Srimati Pratibha Patil, the President of India, the Government and people of India for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.
I commend the Indian business community and specifically the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICC) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in liaison with the Malawi High Commission for organizing this function.
I want to start by stating that business/commercial relations between Malawi and India date back to the 19th century when the first Indian people landed in Malawi for the construction of the railway line. Most of them eventually established themselves in commerce and industry and have since been contributing to Malawi’s economic growth and development.
This state visit is, therefore, a manifestation of our long standing relations both economically and politically and will further serve to cement the business connections between the two countries.
At the moment, total trade between India and Malawi is quite low having grown from US$46 million in 2004 to US$114 million in 2008. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India has in recent times amounted to 25% of total FDI into Malawi. Considering
the potential for growth in the country, it is apparent that more can be done to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
Your shared agenda at this forum will be to enhance collaboration between business persons from Malawi and India. You need to explore new ways to increase Indian investment in new emerging opportunities in Malawi, in such areas as agriculture, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, cotton textiles, manufacturing, tourism, mining, energy and transport, and machine tools industries.
I want you, the Indian business community to realize that Malawi is not a poor country. It is the people of Malawi that are poor. We have abundant natural and mineral resources as well as human capacity that can be turned into new wealth.
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The Malawi economy has in recent years performed very well by any international standards because of prudent macro-economic policies. Since 2004 Malawi has attained an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. In 2008 the economy recorded a robust growth of 9.7%. Our projections are that this impressive growth rate will be maintained.
Malawi’s development focus is to transform from being a p r e d o m i n a n t l y i m p o r t i n g and consuming country to a predominantly manufacturing and exporting one. For this objective to be realized, we have defined for ourselves a development agenda in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).
I invite the Indian business community to understand the focus of our policy. We are creating new business, trade and industrial opportunities in agriculture and food security; green belt irrigation and water development; education, science
and technology, t ransport infrastructure and Shire/Zambezi Waterways with the construction of the Nsanje World Inland Free Port; climate change; natural resources and environmental management; integrated rural development; public health, sanitation and HIV/AIDS management, youth development and empowerment; and energy, mining and industrial development.
Of immediate interest are four sectors that are critical to the process of growth and are also where huge investment potential exist. These are the Green Belt irrigation, the Nsanje World Inland port and the Shire/Zambezi Waterway project and energy, mining and industrial development.
In the Green Belt irrigation, our plan now is to irrigate over one million hectares of land throughout the country using the abundant fresh water resources from Lake Malawi and various rivers that crisscross the country.
The greenbelt irrigation scheme will result in the production of various commodities which will give opportunity for investors for value addition, agri-business, and agro-industries, supply of tractors and irrigation equipments, piping for irrigation, motorized pumps and construction of small and medium scale dams. The investment opportunities are indeed enormous.
In the transport sector our developmental agenda is to open up Malawi directly to the sea through Shire River in Nsanje to Zambezi River and the Indian Ocean. This will result in transformational investment in a modern Inland Port at Nsanje, rail, road and water transportation, as well as energy generation, hotels, restaurants, airport development, tourism and value addition enterprises.
The Port and Waterway Projects are regional projects and will serve the combined population of Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Here too , the inves tment opportunities are almost unlimited and you can get real value for your money.
The mining and energy sectors also offer huge investment opportunities in power generation, transmission and distribution from hydro, solar, bio-fuels and wind.
In mining we have recently opened a Uranium mine, and will in the near future open a niobium mine. We have significant deposits of uranium, gold, emeralds, rubies, phosphates, limestone, coal, bauxite, heavy mineral sands, graphite, granite and other minerals.
More discoveries are likely to be made after a geological mapping exercise which is underway. We invite you to come and invest in energy and mining.
India’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Sachin Pilot, welcoming President Mutharika at the Malawi-India business forum
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In the industry sector, the establishment of an integrated cotton industry offers a variety of investment options critical to the development of Malawi. Malawi has a potential to produce in excess of 500,000 metric tons of cotton lint and around 100,000 metric tons of cotton seed.
There are also huge investment opportunities in the tourism industries. We have clean fresh water and beautiful beaches. We want Indians to come and invest in casinos and amusement parks. We also have unique mountain tourism potential, with unexplored caves in Zomba and Mulanje Mountains and picturesque sceneries on the Nyika Mountains. We have very attractive areas for hot air balloon tours in the lower plains.
In terms of access to markets we have a growing and expanding market. In addition, Malawi enjoys preferential access to strategic markets at regional and international levels; to SADC and COMESA region spanning more than 20 African countries in east, south, up to Egypt in the north. The European Union through the Everything But Arms (EBA) offers a new window for Malawi products. Similarly, the Government of the United States of America through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers chances to export textiles to America.
Here is a new window of opportunity for large profitable investment ventures in Malawi. I wish to assure Indian investors that your investment in Malawi is secure. Malawi is a signatory of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank and is also a signatory to the Convention of Settlement of Investment Disputes.
Malawi is also a member of Africa Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), a
World Bank supported initiative aimed at guaranteeing investment in Africa. Malawi has investment Protect ion and Promot ion Agreements (IPPAs) and Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with a number of countries.
In addition to these guarantees, Malawi offers a new form of security that I call the “Quadrilateral Security System”. Under this system Malawi guarantees first the security of the investment; second the security of the investor; third the security of the business
premises; and fourth the security of the residence of the investor.
You will be interested to know that Malawi has been classified by independent international bodies as one of the most politically stable and safest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our policies are pro-business. Our people are welcoming and very warm. Our climate is pleasant throughout the year. And your investment will be safe and secure.
Prospective Indian investors raised business queries with President Mutharika
President Mutharika interacted with prospective Indian investors
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“India is Home-Away-from-Home for President Mutharika” - Pilot
India’s Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology while welcoming President Mutharika at the Business Forum called Malawi and India Partners for Progress. The Business Forum was held at Hotel Taj Mansingh on 3 November 2010
in New Delhi and jointly organised by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI.
• It is indeed a great honourfor me to once again welcome H.E. Ngwazi Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika, President Of The Republic Of Malawi, to India, which is his home-away-from-home. Your Excellency, this is your first State Visit to your second home after assuming the presidentship. You left this country as a student and now you are back as the Head of State and Government of Malawi. Apart from the official visit, I am sure this would be a trip down the memory lane.
• I believe H.E. Ngwazi Prof.
Bingu wa Mutharika, knows every nook and cranny of Delhi. However, Your Excellency might have noticed that the landscape of New Delhi is quite transformed.
•NewDelhi has alwaysmadethe effort of extending the hand of friendship to the African continent in strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation. In the 1970s and 1980s India continued to support the liberation struggles in Africa. The decision to strengthen relations between India and Africa is not a new
phenomenon. We have a common colonial past and in the post-colonial period we have worked together in myriad economic and developmental spheres.
•However, our Governmentsteered away from wanting to impose any development pattern on Africa and it was for Africa to choose its own pattern of development and the partner in the development journey. I should say with a lot of emphasis that India is privileged to be a partner in the progress of African nations.
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India’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Sachin Pilot addressed the business forum
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• Likewise,therelationsbetweenIndia and Malawi have been cordial, friendly and forward-looking. There is a similarity of views between the two countries on several international, bilateral and multilateral issues and the two countries cooperate with each other at international forums such as the UN, NAM, and WTO.
•Ma l aw i s h ow e d d e e punderstanding of India’s nuclear tests in 1998 and was one of the first countries that supported India’s position on this issue in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1998. Malawi also extended support to India for the Permanent Membership of the expanded UN Security Council.
•Many high-level visits havealready taken place between our two countries. The first President of Malawi, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, visited India in 1983 to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He was deeply influenced by the progress made by India and India’s potential as a possible source of technology and equipment for development of SMEs in Malawi. After his visit, there was increased interact ion between the business communities of India and Malawi.
• From the Indian side, formerIndian Prime Minister Indira Gandh i , who was then Minister of Information and Broadcasting, visited Malawi in 1964 to participate in Malawi’s Independence celebrations. In 1979, Mr Samrendra Kundu, MOS for External Affairs, visited Malawi.
• Earlier this year, our VicePresident Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari visited Malawi. His visit saw both our countries signing three agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation
in key areas of interaction. Our governments have signed memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The MoU is focused on various areas including agriculture research; agricultural extension management; agricultural marketing, horticulture; animal husbandry and dairy; watershed development; agricultural implements and machinery and agro-processing.
• An a g r e emen t f o r t h ed e v e l o p m e n t o f s m a l l enterprises in Malawi was also signed between National Small Industries Corporation of India (NSIC) and One Village One Product of Malawi. Both governments also agreed to expedite the negotiations to f inalise the proposed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on mineral resources; exemption of visas for holders of official and diplomatic passports; rural development and health and medicine.
• I n d i a h a s s h own t h ecommitment toward partnering Malawi for realising the country’s development goal by announcing a new Line of Credit of USD50 million. In 2008, India had provided Line of Credit of USD30 million to Malawi for irrigation, grain storage and tobacco thrashing projects.
• Indiahadalsoprovidedagrantof USD 1 million as emergency relief for rehabilitation following the series of earthquakes that caused loss of life and property in Karonga District of Malawi. Besides, USD 4 million in grants was extended to support Malawi’s development in agriculture, health and education sectors.
•We s h a r e a c ommo ncommitment to democratic governance, rule of law, respect for human rights and inclusive development. Our bilateral cooperation in agriculture,
trade, investment, small and medium industries, culture and education needs to be stepped up significantly and new areas of cooperation explored.
•We b e l i e v e t h a t o u rcontribution toward building Malawi’s own capacities, infrastructure and food security is a valuable component of our partnership.
•We understand Malawi’sdevelopment planning and the key priority areas of Malawi Growth and Development Strategy. India will indeed continue its unalloyed support in fulfilling the objective of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy.
• India has expertise in theareas of agriculture and food security, green-belt irrigation and water development, infrastructure development, educa t ion , s c i ence and technology, climate change mitigation, natural resources and environment management, integrated rural development, public health, sanitation and HIV/AIDS management ; youth development and empowerment and energy, m i n i n g a n d i n d u s t r i a l development.
•We appreciateMalawi’s aimof creating wealth through infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth. We unders tand Malawi’s priority areas of social protection & disaster r isk management, social development and improved governance.
•OurGovernmentandindustryare more than keen to help the Malawi government in developing the rural areas to contribute effectively toward national development. Indian private corporate have the potential in developing capital infrastructure and services in rural growth centres, providing communications networks in rural growth centres and
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opening up processing plants in rural growth centres.
• Itisimportanttoeconomicallyempower the youth so that they contribute effectively towards the socio-economic growth and development of the country. India can help in providing training in vocational and entrepreneurial skills and start up tools. Our cooperation with Malawi under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in the field of human resource development is a matter of satisfaction. India has extended training programmes to many
agricultural production, storage and transportation.
•We all know thatMalawi isblessed with extensive water resources that could be further tapped for the development and production of electricity to feed the country’s growing domestic and industrial needs. Uranium reserves could be mined and used as fuel for nuclear power plants. Coal reserves could be exploited and used as fuel for coal-fired power plants. Abundance of water could be exploited for the development of hydropower plants.
c o m m e r c i a l v i a b i l i t y , subsequently improving social and economic development of the nation.
• Indiahasstrongahealthcaresystem and very renowned institutes. India can help Malawi in capacity building in this sector by providing extensive flow of information. The shortage of human resource in this sector can be resolved by investment from the Indian private players in the field of medical education.
• Indiahasalreadycontributedin significant measure to the development and evolution of Malawian economy. Indo-Malawian partnership is an integral element of the two countries larger vision of closer and multi-dimensional engagement with African countries.
•Withalltheseelementsofthepartnership coming together as a beautiful, composite whole, we can expect a surge in our bilateral trade and investment flows as well. I am sure that many Indian companies would be looking to leverage the compelling investment opportunities that your country provides under an enabling policy regime.
• In fu ture a l so Ind ia i scommitted to provide all possible assistance to the Government of Malawi and to President H.E. Mr. Bingu wa Mutharika in his efforts to improve the economic situation of the people and bring about overall development of the country.
•However, private sectors ofboth countries also need to explore more possibilities of forming partnerships to realise the potential for cooperation.
•OnceagainIwishthePresidentand his accompanying delegates a wonderful stay in Delhi.
young Malawians under the ITEC programme.
• The enhancement of India’sbudget, for technical assistance and training programmes and, greater opportunities for African students to pursue studies in India reflect the priority India attaches to human resource development and capacity building. India also offered its assistance in ushering in a Green Revolution in Africa through holistic capacity building in
• Indiaprivateplayerscanhelpin exploitation of these natural resources for the production of electricity with careful planning to reap maximum benefits at lesser cost.
• India has the experience ofrunning one of the largest Railway networks in world. Better transport means better business. Malawi can obtain India’s help in improving operational efficiency of rail transport and enhancing
Minister Pilot conversing with President Mutharika
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President Mutharika and the First Lady
Madame Callista Mutharika arriving at
Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi
Mr. Patrick Kabambe, Secretary for Foreign Affairs led the technical meetings with Indian Government Officials in New Delhi prior to the State Visit of President Mutharika
Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, Malawi High Commissioner introducing the Dean of the Africa Group, the Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Francois Balumuene to President Mutharika
Pictorial Highlights
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Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, Malawi High
Commissioner introducing the High Commissioner
of Lesotho, Dr. Shabir Peerbhai to President
Mutharika
Mr. Jonathan Wutuwanashe, Ambassador of Zimbabwe and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in India welcoming President Mutharika at the Africa Heads of Mission meeting at Hotel Taj Mansigh in New Delhi
President Mutharika being welcomed by Mr. Leston Mulli Managing Director of Mulli Brothers Limited at Taj Masingh Hotel in New Delhi at the start of his State visit
Pictorial Highlights
29
President Mutharika bidding farewell
to Malawi High Commission diplomats
at Palam Airport in New Delhi
Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Kennedy Moyo, Mr. Clement Kumbemba, Investment Manager and Mr. Gustov Mabvuto Chief of Protocol listening attentively to the speech of His Excellency the President at Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi on 3 November 2010
President Mutharika bidding farewell to Malawi High Commission diplomats at Palam Airport in New Delhi
Pictorial Highlights
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“Business Forum a High Point in India-Malawi Relationship” - Kirloskar
Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries’s Africa Committee and Chairman of Kirloskar Brothers, Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, chaired and addressed the
business gathering at an Interactive Session: India and Malawi: Partners for Progress on 3 November 2010 at Hotel Taj Mansingh in New Delhi
•We are extremely gratefulto H.E. Ngwazi Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika, President of The Republic of Malawi and Chairman of the African Union, for his gracious presence at this important event. Your Excellency, we take great pride in the fact that India is a second home for you.
•Weareequallydelightedtoseethe presence of a power-packed delegation from Malawi.
• Today’sevent isahighpointin India-Malawi bilateral ties which form a key sub-set of India’s enduring engagement with Africa.
• IndiaandtheAfricannationshold the key to the sustainable growth and development of the global economy. The challenges for our economies, however, will continue to be employment generation, infrastructure d e v e l o p m e n t , p o v e r t y
alleviation and strengthening of food security.
• I would like take the cuefrom the speech of Mr Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for IT and Communications, that the ‘private sectors of both countries need to explore more possibilities of forming partnerships to realise the potential for cooperation’.
• Theprivatesectorisindeedanimportant force for growth and
Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries’s Africa Committee and Chairman of Kirloskar Brothers
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Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries’s Africa Committee and Chairman of Kirloskar Brothers, Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, welcoming President Mutharika
development through capacity building, skills development, employment generat ion, infrastructure development, and so on.
• India’ssuccessfuldevelopmentexper iences over recent decades consistently confirm that good governance, a sound economic environment and well-functioning physical and social infrastructure are essential for fostering private sector-led growth.
• A vibrant private sectorpromises to be a virtuous link in the cycle of improving the competitiveness of Malawian economy. Vibrant private sector also enables environment for business and attracting foreign investment, which in turn will further strengthen the international competitiveness of the Malawian economy.
• Indian private sector has a
key role in supporting the Government of India’s capacity building and skills development initiatives in Africa. As a major stakeholder in Africa’s development, the Indian private sector has played a key role in the successful implementation of various development programme in different African countries.
• It is hoped that many moreprivate players in India and Malawi will come together and forge strategic partnership in the fields of agriculture and food processing, mining, textile, manufacturing, tourism, drugs and pharmaceuticals, IT, infrastructure, cement and chemicals. Private sector should also look into increase the bilateral trade to create a broader business canvas.
• Indian industry has thewherewithal and expertise
to contribute richly in the areas of capacity building and improving energy and transport infrastructure in Malawi.
• At CII we have maintaineda strong Africa Focus in our global economic engagements. It is our firm belief that India is a long-term stakeholder in Africa’s prosperity.
• Today’s milestone event willadd a new dimension to India-Malawi bilateral ties, reinforcing the trade and investment flows and strengthening the economic technology cooperation.
• IhopetheinteractionbetweenMalawian delegation and captains of Indian industry would set the stage for tangible agreements between private players of both the countries in strengthening partnership.
• IappreciatetheeffortsofCII,FCCI and Assocham for jointly organising the event.
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“Indian expatriate Population Migrating to Malawi is on the Rise”
Subhash C. Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, SMC Interactive Business Meeting with His Excellency Mr Bingu wa Mutharika Hon’ble President
of the Republic of Malawi and the accompanying delegation
On behalf of the Indian Industry, I am privileged to extend a warm and
hearty welcome to the Hon’ble President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Mr Bingu wa Mutharika. I also extend a warm welcome to Mr Eunice Kazembe, Hon’ble Minister for Industry and Trade, Republic of Malawi, and the distinguished members of the accompanying delegation on their Business visit to India.
We firmly believe that your visit to India accompanied by business
personalities representing different sectors of Malawian industry and commerce will give a new impetus to the bilateral relations between India and Malawi, focusing especially on trade and economic relations.
It gives me an immense pleasure to ment ion that , re lat ions between India and Malawi have been cordial and friendly since beginning. There is similarity of views between the two countries on several international, bilateral and multilateral issues and the two countries cooperate with
each other at international fora such as the UN, NAM, CHOGM and WTO.
Also, India is Malawi’s second largest trading partner in Asia. We are confident that your leadership would provide a solid foundation to ink mutual agreements between the two countries in areas like infrastructure, te lecommunicat ions, smal l business enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, education, and human settlements, where cooperation needs to be upgraded.
We look forward to a lot more cooperation from uranium rich, Malawi. It is very heartening to know that Malawi has expressed interest in joint exploration of potential uranium sites with India’s help. India would also look to cooperate in shoring up energy security and in building Malawi’s ports and other infrastructure.
There are significant areas of cooperation which India and Malawi need to work on, like expansion of trade and establishment of free trade agreement to encourage further investment between the two countries.
Also, the number of Indian expatriate population migrating to Malawi is on the rise. There are about 5000 persons of Indian origin in Malawi. Most of them hold British or American nationality. The number of Indian nationals is about 750. Most members of Indian community
Mr. Subhash C. Aggarwal, Chairman, Assocham Africa Committee & Chairman and Managing Director, SMC Global Securities Limited
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are engaged in trade and business professionals.
Corporations like M/s Tata Zambia serve as a role model for many Indian companies to expand their ventures into Malawian sectors. Also, Malawi had utilised the services of TCIL for execution of a contract in the telecom sector worth US$ 20 million in the year 2000. Many small Indian companies are presently having offices in Malawi for the purpose of trade and commerce.
India has always been instrumental in lending a supporting hand to Malawi. India extended to Malawi a credit line for US$30 million for irrigation, grain storage and tobacco threshing projects.
With the increased number of visits between the two countries, we feel that the possible collaboration between the two countries could scale new heights. Since we know that Malawi is an agricultural based economy, which recognizes the importance of agro-processing,
India could partner with Malawi to give an impetus to development of food processing sector in the country. A strong and dynamic food processing sector plays a vital role in diversification and commercialization of agriculture, enhances shelf life, ensures value addition to the agricultural produce, generates employment, enhances income of farmers and creates markets for export of agro products.
Also realizing the important role that SMEs play in the economic development of the country, India has embraced the SME sector and has been able to develop a robust SME sector. India could also help Malawi in developing Small and Medium Enterprises, for the production of technologically advanced products.
I am happy to share that Malawi has been able to address some of the most pressing issues of Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered S p e c i e s , E n v i r o n m e n t a l Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands.
We are confident that your visit to India at this juncture, will help both the countries in taking a qualitative leap for stronger and progressive ties and would extend fruitful cooperation in areas like biomedical research, tourism, textiles, pharmaceuticals and healhcare, energy, renewable energy and information technology enabled services (ITeS).
To conclude, I am privileged to once again extend hearty welcome to you and the distinguished members of the delegation for your gracious presence amongst us with the ardent hope that your visit to India will further speed up the process of facilitating India – Malawi trade and economic relations.
Thank You
The business community from India and Malawi listen attentively to President Mutharika’s business address
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“African Union Agreed to Make Africa a Food Basket of the World”
President Mutharika, the current Chair of the African Union, soon after arriving in New Delhi, addressed a jam packed audience of African Ambassadors and African students in India on 2 November 2010
and predicted a bright future for the African continent
Let me at the outset, commend you for organizing this forum to enable us to interact at
the start of this historic State Visit. I feel greatly pleased to see so many of you representing different African countries gathered in this room this afternoon.
It is very important that, as Africans, we be united as we share a common history and aspirations. The solidarity is particularly important if we are to see the continent becoming a force to reckon with on the global political scene.
Since this is the first time for me to come to India as the current Chair of the African Union, I take this opportunity to address and update you on some of the important issues that we are determined to achieve at the African Union and hence requiring your active assistance on.
I want to state that my vision as chair of the African Union, is to have Africa that is food secure, free from wars and instabilities, free of infant and maternal deaths and diseases. If we manage to achieve this, the people of our
Great Continent will appreciate that our continental organization is indeed relevant to them.
During the last Summit in Kampala, we agreed as a Union, to make Africa a food basket of the world. We agreed that five years from now, no child in Africa should die of hunger or malnutrition or go to bed on an empty stomach.
I, therefore, proposed an African Compact on Agriculture and Food Security (ACAFS) under which African governments and
| African Ambassadors and Students |
President Mutharika addressing a jam-packed hall of African Ambassadors and students at Hotel Taj Mansingh in New Delhi on 2 November 2010
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the development partners should agree to renew their commitment to Agriculture and Food Security as a priority of the African Union agenda.
At the Summit in Kampala, Uganda in July 2010, African leaders resolved to implement policies and programmes that will improve maternal, infant and child health.
We also agreed to develop our transport and communications infrastructure to connect all our Regional Economic Communities to enable us move food from surplus to deficit areas.
Further, we undertook to develop our energy generation capacity and to make electricity affordable and available to industries and our people.
T h e H e a d s o f S t a t e a n d Government also recognized the catalytic role that Information and Communication Technology plays in the development and integration process of Africa. We a l so r ecogn ized tha t Climate Change impacts on our development process.
As I have always pointed out at several fora, Africa is not poor but the people of Africa are poor. It is therefore, our collective effort that we should ensure that the abundant resources available in Africa should be fully exploited for the benefit of her people.
want you to change the image of Africa that is portrayed by Western media; the one that you read and hear about in the international media. That is the Africa that is hopeless, full of crime, corruption, civil wars, hunger, starvation and many other problems. But I wish to present to you a new Africa that is ready to become an important player on global issues. The issues I have highlighted above will lead to this new Africa.
Peace and securi ty in our
Continent has also been given high priority. I wish to note that the African Union is making a lot of strides in ensuring that good governance, democratization, peace and security are upheld. We agreed to continue to celebrate 2010 as the Year of Peace and Security in Africa. I am pleased to inform you that we are committed to attaining peace and security on the continent as a means of ensuring a prosperous continent.
I commend the efforts made to bring peace to the Central African Republic and Cote d’Ivoire and the post-conflict reconstruction processes taking place in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Burundi which are on course to recovery from conflicts.
order to Madagascar and Niger.
I am however, concerned by the deterioration of the security situation in Somalia as the Islamic extremists are continuing to put pressure by perpetuating violence on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). African Union member states and the international community are looking for ways that can lead to immediate remedial measures to rescue the people of Somalia.
I conclude my remarks by reminding all of you that as our representatives here in India, you must always portray a positive image of our continent.
With regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is encouraging that the security and polit ical situation has tremendously improved so much so that the mandate of the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission has changed to a stabilization force and with emphasis on protecting the civilians.
In the same vein, efforts are being made to bring back constitutional
We are very grateful to the Indian Government which, through the India/Africa Partnership, has established credit facilities that we could utilize in achieving our objectives within the African Union. India has remained committed in assisting our continent as a true partner and friend.
Long Live AfricaGod Bless You All
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An attentive audience of African Ambassadors and students interacts with President Mutharika at Hotel Taj Mansingh in New Delhi on 2 November 2010
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A Look Back at student Days of President Mutharika in Delhi
University in early 60sPresident Mutarika is an acknowledged and distinguished author of several books and many articles in learned journals in the field of economics, trade and business. The President honed his writing skills when he was a student of commerce at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi in the late 1950s. Reproduced below are four insightful articles which he wrote and were published in the YAMUNA, a magazine of SRCC. Copies of these articles were presented to the President at the luncheon meeting with alumni of SRCC on 2 November 2010.
| Shri Ram College Archives |
1958-61 2010As President of the Republic of Malawi
As a student of Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi
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the Concept of CivilisationThere may be several meanings of the word “civilisation’ depending on the point of view the user of this concept is looking at and also the circumstances that envelop him. According to the literal meaning of this concept, civilisation may be defined as the act of reclaiming from a state of barbarism into the advanced stage in social, economic and other aspects of life. The writer of this article is not attempting to define this concept which the readers know so well. However, we cannot fail to perceive the fact that one cannot talk of civilization without taking into consideration the various factors relating to economic, social, religious and political aspects.
Now accepting the economic, social, religious and political achievements as forming part and parcel of a civilized community, the question arises: How can we apply these phenomena to the existing conditions of any country? In other words, how can we achieve civilization? The answer to this question is a very wide and complex one.
Let us go back to the first constituent of our definition – economic achievement. When we talk of a country as being advanced economically, we imply that the national resources of the country are so employed as to produce or yield the greatest benefit to the people of that country; that there is equal opportunity for all people to develop and improve their economic life; that there are ample chance for employment to all suitable people; that the standard of living is good; and that the public funds are used to the real advantage of the people. Many people fail to realise the importance of economic development. We find that great sums of money from public funds are being wasted on very trivial functions which are not at all necessary. The writer is not trying to criticize any one, but is trying to present facts in their true light. One finds that there are millions and millions of people who are starving, having no shelter, having no clothes to wear, in great poverty and more painful still, having no place they can call a home. This is a very pathetic condition, but what is done to up-lift them? What steps are taken to end these seemingly unceasing troubles? Realising, also, that civilization means to live in a community and to take interest in what the other fellow is doing, we find that there is great contradiction in the meaning of the word civilization. For example, we find that time and again crores and crores of rupees are being spent on decorations, illuminations festivals and celebrations of all kinds, which though we may accept them as customs which ought to be respected, nevertheless do not do any good to the people. In fact they do more harm to the people than good. Do my readers not agree with me that these monies could be used to improve the conditions of the people? Would it not be more beneficial if this money could be used to provide housing, improve roads, build hospitals and schools which are so badly needed by the people than to spend it in one day over celebrations?
Coming down to the social aspect, we discover that the social and cultural pattern of life can be responsible for impeding the advancement of a people. Simply because one wants to follow customs, one fails to do a useful service to one’s country. This is also reflected in schools and colleges. The young boys and girls who are to be the future leaders are all stuffed up with customs of all shapes which make them fail to develop themselves into good leaders. For instance, the boy is given to understand that a woman is an inferior being, and all she can do is to sit inside a brick or stone fence all day. The poor girl, on the other hand, is given to understand that men are a different type of human beings and must therefore be strictly avoided. But women with proper education, and good knowledge and understanding have proved to be very dynamic forces in the advancement of a nation. This can only be achieved by giving them a chance to develop themselves by mixing freely with members of the opposite sex. Let them feel that women are just as important as men. Let them work side by side in all spheres of achievement.
Religion, too, is responsible for the advancement of a country but also can hinder civilization. Strict religious practices are very detrimental to society. Because an individual belongs to a particular religious sect, he cannot do a certain service to the community, no matter how useful that service may be. A little clear thought will show the futility of some of these religious beliefs. After all, religion is a doctrine propounded by men. Therefore there is no earthly reason why it should prevent people from rendering good service to their country.
This brings us down to the political aspect of civilization. One fails to understand really what civilization means. Big, strong nations of the world oppress the small and weaker nations. Yet these same big nations claim to be civilized. Oppressing other nations is nothing but propagating slavery and slavery cannot go hand in hand with civilization. Rights and privileges are being denied to the rightful owners of certain countries
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of the world. Yet this is said to be a civilized age. It is surprising to see that even during this sputnik age people are still being subjected to foreign powers and severe hardships in their own lands. This world is full of contradictions. Here is one who preaches that he is civilized but he goes to do entirely the opposite thing. Truth and honesty have lost their meanings among the leaders of the world today.
Civilisation cannot, therefore, be understood without taking into account the above factors. We can only achieve civilization or claim to be civilized if we put the above phenomena into practice to improve the existing conditions of a country.
Reprinted from Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi University magazine: Yamuna Vol. XIV April 1959 Pages 58-59
nyasaland: switzerland of Africa?Many writers and tourists have admittedly called Nyasaland, “the Switzerland of Africa - This is perhaps due to its unique climate, exceptionally beautiful lakes and the amazing contrasts in its geographical features. Perhaps this is too vivid an explanation. However, the following facts will help you to form your opinion. There are, as in Switzerland, mountains to be climbed in Nyasaland, great rivers to be crossed, and lakes of utmost beauty and splendor. The specially bright sunlight makes the lake shores the most attractive holiday resorts. Perhaps Nature is not so perfect, after all, but that is one reason why Nyasaland is sometimes referred to as “The Land of the Lakes.”
Nyasaland stretches over an area of about five hundred and twenty miles in length and between 80 and 130 miles in breadth. It lies within the tropics at latitudes between 9°45' and 17°16' south of the Equator, and between longitudes 33° and 36° east of the Greenwich meridian. It has an attitude ranging between 1,500ft. to 6,500ft. above sea level and this accounts for the exceptionally cool and healthy climate. The entire country covers an area of about 37,000 square miles with four lakes – Lake Nyasa, the largest, measuring about 350 miles long and 20-50 miles wide. The country is bordered by the Portuguese overseas province of Mozambique on the east, south and south west, the British protectorate of northern Rhodesia on the west, and the British Territory of Tanganyika on the north. The temperature ranges between 45°F in winter and 90°F in summer but the most remarkable feature of the climate is that one can wear cotton or woollen clothes comfortably throughout the year.
The population of Nyasaland consists of about 3 million Africans, 8,000 Europeans and 11,000 Indians and other people of Asian descent. The chief occupation of the people is agriculture which also determines the main economic structure of the country. Christianity is the predominant religion, divided into Catholics and Protestants. Apart from these, there is also Islamic religion – a relic of the Arabs who infested the shores of Lake Nyasa during the slave trade.
Nyasaland is administered by Her Majesty’s Government as a British Protectorate. It would be necessary at this point to state briefly how the country passed into British hands. As you will see, it was not by war and conquest but by a “treaty.” The treaty was signed between the Queen of England and our local chiefs that Her Majesty’s government would take over and control the government and continue to “protect it until such time as the people of Nyasaland would be ready to rule and govern themselves.” This explains why central Africa, and Nyasaland in particular, has been fermenting politically for the last seven years! Times, have changed; we desire and wish to rule ourselves. This is our natural right.
The turning point of events was when the so-called Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was imposed upon the Africans inspite of very strong opposition and resistance. Prima facie one might wonder why a civilized community should oppose a federation, but this is different. The white settlers, notably British, in Southern Rhodesia, especially, wish to turn Central Africa into a dominion. The Africans, on the other hand, see this as an attempt to create another “South Africa” – the South Africa which the world knows too well. Thus to prevent this purpose and to gain our freedom many Africans have lost their lives, many courageous leaders like Dr. Banda have been detained or imprisoned without any established offences, and the like. However, as is always the case, the leaders have, time and again, been released, and this marks the victory for the Africans. The forces of “Nationalism and Pan-africanism” have awakened throughout the length and breadth of Africa and this is incorrectly understood by the colonialists as “terrorism and communism”, which is all too unfortunate. Everywhere in Africa there
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is the cry “UFULU” (freedom) and freedom is really coming to all Africa; it really is now a matter of time and negotiation. “Freedom and Peace are inseparable from Humanity; and to achieve them is the goal and pride of all Africans.”
Reprinted from Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi University magazine: Yamuna Vol. XV December 1960 Pages 13-14
success“Tis a lesson you should heed,
Try, Try, again.If at first you don’t succeed,
Try, Try again.Thus, your courage will appear
For if you persevere
You will conquer, never fearTry, Try again.”
WHAT is success? What do we really mean when we say that a person is successful? What is the road to success? I will not attempt here to define the word ‘success’, because all my readers know it too well. But here let us examine what contributes to success. There are several factors which may determine a person’s success in his endeavours and some of them are planning, which goes hand in hand with foresight, patience and perseverance, historical, economical and social background, other external forces, and personal qualities – perhaps the most important factor.
Planning is important not only in business undertakings, social organizations, governmental institutions, but also for individuals, and even for students. Several people have met with failure and disappointment in life because they lacked planning and foresight. A person must be able to evaluate the trend of things and to draw conclusions from them. On this basis he can draw his plans. Any attempt to achieve anything without planning is nothing but leaping in the dark. There is a proverb in English “Look before you leap”, and this advice holds good in all walks of life and in all types of understandings; but, unfortunately many people find themselves thinking after they have already leapt. The result in such cases is inevitably failure, and sometimes total failure. Leaving aside, for a moment, all such planning as is undertaken by business enterprises and governments, let us see how much a student can derive from planning his day to day work.
A student who just picks up a book or walks into the library without having thought of what he is going to do will seldom find himself on the road to success. We are not concerned here with the technical aspect of planning, but a student should be able to determine how much time he has at his disposal and how he can best utilize it. This is nothing but planning. This should not, however, be taken to mean that a person should work 24 hours in a day, since “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” But loitering and wandering about the college premises and university campus are the most obvious result of lack of planning.
Now, let us see what patience may mean to a person’s life. Many a time and oft we have heard of accidents and mishaps and the best way to forget them is perhaps to think that they are the “Will of God’ or the mischief caused by the Devil. But, looking at them closely, we may find that some of the mishaps are the result of lack of patience. A driver who is not patient enough to wait till the green light says “Go” will sooner or later find himself buried amongst the broken pieces and remainders of his vehicle. Shall we be justified in attributing all such mishaps to some external forces alone? I don’t know. But surely, if people in the world today learned to be a little more patient and to wait or think
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just for a moment or two, half of the world’s mishaps would have been done away with, if not more. Thus, if we want to success, we must have patience and perseverance.
Historical, economic and social back-ground have certainly got a great influence in determining a person’s success in life. It is generally accepted that people from rich and high families have better chances of success in life than those from poor and lowly families. Well, but should we stop there? Certainly not. Every person has got chances of success in one thing or the other. The only difficulty is for one to find out exactly what one is capable of performing. That is why vocational selection, training and guidance are becoming very important in the modern commercial world. Leaving aside the individual’s background it is inevitable that one should try to understand oneself and to find out how one can best employ one’s talents and traits. Very often people meet failure not because they were born to fail, but because they were lured into some vocation or occupation in which they had the least chances of success. A person who is good at teaching, for example, may not do well as an engineer and an engineer may not be successful as a writer. It is found that, sometimes, sons of ministers or religion, may turn out to be much less religious than sons of non-religious people. So background, though, prima facie, a strong determining factor to success is very limited in reality. Hence, attributing your failure to such external factors as governments or backgrounds should not be accepted as an excuse for a person’s failure.
This brings us to the question of personal qualities. It is clearly seen from the above arguments that a person’s success or failure depends primarily upon his own qualities. The other factors are of secondary influence. It is the personal qualities that have a real and lasting effect upon one’s achievements. There are some people who have been an utter failure in life, though having most favourable circumstances. It is, thus, wrong to think that whereas some people were born to achieve success others were born to attain failure. The only formula to success is “Try, try again.” It is true to say that people who try sincerely will be rewarded with some success depending upon the degree of effort made. It is only those people who put the blame on others, or even on their stars, who often meet failure. Most of the great names in history, Gandhi, for example, or Abraham Lincoln, or many, many others who are now lying in the grave but still whose “souls go marching on’ started as common people, poor and often without help; but, hope, planning, patience, fortitude, courage and determination – all these saw them on the road to success. And so –
“The little boy who says ‘I’ll try’,Will climb to the hill top.
The little boy who says, I can’t’,Will at the bottom stop.
‘I’ll try’ does great things every day,‘I can’t gets nothing done.
Be sure, then, that you say ‘I’ll try’And let ‘I can’t’ alone.”
Reprinted from Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi University magazine: Yamuna Vol. XVI April 1961 Pages 46-48
shri Ram College of Commerce Shri Ram College of Commerce
Had been founded with the aim and desire to create
Responsible and trustworthy men from the
Indian youth.
Right from its foundation the
Aim of this institution has been to provide
Material training in administration and
Commerce, so as to enable the students
Of today to prepare themselves, and to
Learn to work hard for this country’s development.
Like any other country with a growing
Economy, India also has a
Great demand for men with very high
Efficiency in economic and financial matters.
Over and above this, the College also admits some
Foreign students, coming from various
Countries of the world. These young
Overseas ambassador-scholars
Migrate from this institution having acquired
Much knowledge useful for their countries.
Economic and political advancement
Rank first in the needs and schemes of any
Country, and this College
Ensures and caters for the same.
Reprinted from Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi University magazine: Yamuna Vol. XIV April 1961, Page 59
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“President Mutharika was thrilled to Meet College Batchmates from Delhi
University”- Principal Dr. JainJournalist Mayuri Datta and Debjani Sahu interviewed Dr. P.C. Jain the Principle of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi,
following the conferment of an Honorary Degree on visiting President Bingu wa Muthrika. Following are the excerpts from the exclusive conversation;
Dr. Jain, can you describe the recent visit of Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi to Shri Ram College of Commerce and also awarding of an Honorary Degree on him as former student of University of Delhi?
When Delhi University got the information of President of Malawi’s visit, an emergency
session of the Executive Committee was held to approve the proposal, to confer an Honorary Degree of Literature on Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika.
The University contacted the President’s Office. That’s when we were informed that President also wanted to see his college (Shri Ram College of Commerce) and his old batch mates. Despite
the fact that this batch graduated some 50 years back, the University managed to trace 75 of the Graduates.
President Mutharika wanted to recall his old days, and share the golden moments with his batchmates. About 40 of his batchmates came for the function. Away from all the protocols, President Mutharika was thrilled
| Return to Roots |
The Principal of Shri Ram College, Dr. P.C. Jain introducing Persident Mutharika to the alumni and fellow students of the early sixties
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to meet his old friends, and had a good time sharing all the fond memories of their college days.
Do you think Shri Ram College laid a strong foundation of education in President Mutharika’s life as a young student from Africa?
To answer, this question, I would like to quote his lines when he said that “whatever he learnt, and whatever he is today is because of SRCC” in the convocation.
W h a t w a s P r e s i d e n t Mutharika’s reaction when he visited the campus of Shri Ram College?
The President of Malawi visited our college campus, and clearly
from scratch to the top. He also added, “You must have a dream and work for the dream as I worked for my dream and it has come true.” These magical words of encouragement inspired the students of SRCC.
The President came to college campus, went to his classroom
and he even took some snaps on the benches of the classroom, where he used to sit during his college days. He visited the college hostel, the canteen etc. and really enjoyed the moment.
Have you managed to find out as how good President Mutharika was as a student in those days?
I was not teaching here at that time when President Mutharika graduated but dur ing the convocation he picked up the magazine of the ‘1961’ batch of the college. He looked at his article which was published in the college magazine then. He wrote a poem in name of the college SRCC. He wrote a line with each alphabet that stands for SRCC. This according to me reflects a person’s capability, thinking, morals, responsibility towards his country which actually took him to a position like this.
Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika has made all of the SRCC proud being the first Head of State, and it is a proud moment for all of us in SRCC.
expressed his feelings how SRCC is close to his heart. He went through all the places by walking, irrespective of his position or anything like that. He recalled all names of the big authors of that time. He also shared with the students that academics is the only thing in the world which can take a person directly
| Return to Roots |
President Mutharika undertook a tour of Shri Ram College where he studied in early sixties. In the picture the President is sitting on the same desk of his class room.
Chairman of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Mr. Ajay S. Shriram and Principal Dr. Jain gifting a memento to President Mutharika
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“President Mutharika Most Distinguished Alumnus of shri Ram College” - Jaitley
About two months ago, a colleague and a friend who has been in touch because
of his business deals with Malawi informed us in the college that the President was on a State Visit to India and that the President being an alumus of this institution was extremely keen to be in contact with members of the Shri Ram College of Commerce fraternity. It was then that the college was in touch with the President’s office, and therefore, we are extremely delighted to have you at this juncture.
The Chairman of the Governing Board has just now told you about the kind of changes of and improvements which have been made to the college. But let me tell you, as the old saying goes, that “the more things change, the more they remain the same,” and therefore, if you were to visit the college in the next few days, while you are in this country, you will perhaps have nostalgia of the same institutions, I believe.
Of course there have been many changes as far as the infrastructure
of the college is concerned but they are the same buildings you studied in. I came to understand from Dr. Mittal that some of the very distinguished teachers who have taught your batch, teachers, like Prof. Y.K Bhushan, K.K Sundaram are still around and have since the last 50 years made huge academic contributions in whichever field they were. In fact they are my teachers also when I was part of the student community from 1970 to 1973.
Shri Ram College of Commerce,
| Alumni |
Mr. Arun Jaitley, Leader of the Opposition in Upper House of Indian Parliament and an alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce addressing the alumni gathered to honour President Mutharika
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Sir, has over the last 50 odd years of its existence produced some of the best students, particularly in the field of commerce, banking and private sector management. It is one institution which has virtually dominated the landscape as far as life of this country is concerned. Sir as I said “the more things change the more they remain the same,” all this has been possible because of the very effective teaching faculty of the college. In fact the teaching faculty of the institution
Sir, we are conscious of your background and particularly the detailed introduction that the Chairman has given in his speech. You belong to a country which is one of the recent additions to the world of democracies. You, being a part of the great struggle for the establishment of democracy in Malawi, India has valued this relationship with Malawi, and also with the African Union which you currently head. In fact our history is a history
is extremely committed, devoted. The academic environment of the institution is exactly what it used to be 50 years ago, of course modern techniques of education and modern concept of economics have now infiltrated as far as academic environment is concerned, but it is one factor that kept this great institution going.
of struggle for restoration of our independences.
Our experiences in the past have been common and our vision and goals as far as the future is concerned are also likely to be more identical. We are extremely happy, Sir, that you are attached to this great institution and in fact the college will be much
delighted if on your visit to Delhi University where you will be honoured, the day after tomorrow, you will have a glimpse of your former institution. It may be a few additional minutes more to your otherwise very busy schedule. But if that was possible, I think it would be a great privilege for college to host one of its most distinguished alumni ever recognized by history from the great emerging country and emerging democracy in the world.
On behalf of all of us present here, it is my pleasure to welcome you here and to share your experiences of this institution as it then was and we have a glimpse of what you did when you were in college days and of course we have been told about your great academic achievements subsequently. Sir we wish you all the best and best wishes to your great country.
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President Mutharika sharing moments of history with fellow students from Shri Ram College of Commerce
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“Mutharika Wanted to study in a third World Country. He Was an Intellectual
even as a student”- Prof. singhProfessor Daleep Singh, who is 89 now, taught President Mutharika in 1962-63
when he was pursuing Masters Degree from Delhi School of Economics (University of Delhi). There was an emotional meeting between Prof. Singh and President
Mutharika in New Delhi. Journalist Debjani Sahu and Mayuri Datta interviewed the veteran academician who has also authored several books on economies of Africa.
Prof. Singh, what are your memor ie s o f P res iden t Mutharika as a student of Master’s degree at Delhi School of Economics?
In 1961 Mutharika as a student came to Delh i Col lege o f Economics, after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce. Mutharika, the President of Malawi now, was among the first or second batch of African Studies in Delhi College of Economics and he was the only
African student there. In the class he was one matured person and serious student. He always used to put up questions which used to be analytical in nature and well pondered upon. He also was very popular among the classmates and the faculty too.
As Mutharika was the only student from Africa, the other Indian students used to connect to him a lot. They used to ask him questions related to his country, Africa not only the subjects they used to study but other issues too, which
helped in the cultural exchange of both countries to an extent. He was the one who created interest among the Indian students for Africa, as a continent.
Mutharika as a student made contribution to African studies in Delhi University, he personally approached the African Student Association, and encouraged them to celebrate African National Day here in the African Studies Department. The advice was well taken and implemented too. The students used to interact with him;
| Exclusive Interview |
President Mutharika warmly holding the hand of Profesor Daleep Singh after the conferment of Honorary Degree by University of Delhi, while the First Lady looks on
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they used to ask him various questions about his country and his people. Other than the study related issues, they also used to discuss topics like social issues, traditions, customs being followed there. He created interest in the students for Africa. This way the class used to benefit from him, even after he passed out many African students used to come and ask for him.
President Mutharika, as a student always had leadership qualities in him. It was from the very beginning that I noticed his potential, and that it will take him a long way someday. He had an intellectual streak in him. I also visited African countries, because of which we both also had long discussions within the class about my experience in Africa and Africa as a continent.
How did the African Studies Department begin in University of Delhi?
It is an honour for me to be a part of the African Studies Department. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru admired the African continent and its culture. He believed that the 21st century will belong to Africa. With the initiative of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Centre for African Studies was established by the Ministry of External Affairs, other than the United Grants Commission (UGC). Four eminent scholars were chosen from different countries to start this new venture. After the scholar from Ghana, I took over as a Prof. of Economics in the Centre for African Studies in 1958. Four selected scholars were asked to visit the very few universities that were there in Africa then. Post visit it was decided, to launch masters in Economics and later M.Phil.
How would you account the contribution of Delhi University in his life?
I would like to say that he learnt a lot from Delhi University, he
did his graduation from Delhi University’s Shriram College of Commerce which is not just one of the best colleges in Delhi but also all over India. Then he completed his Masters from the well known college i.e. the Delhi College for Economics. Mutharika could have chosen any western universities to study but instead he chose India, as he wanted to study in a third world country. He wanted to understand and be face to face with the developing countries at that time.
Did Mutharika keep in touch with you or his class mates?
Even after he left, he kept contact with me and he always expressed his regards for the University and the faculty. It is our privilege to have such a bright and outstanding student in our alumni list. He also mailed me once, to consult me for his higher degree in Ph.D. and asked me where to do it from. In the recent convocation at Delhi Univers i ty to honour him, I met President Mutharika. I was surprised as he recognised me even after so many years, he embraced me and even introduced me to his wife.
What are your last thoughts on President Mutharika’s India connection?
Personally I am very happy and thankful to him as he made the African economies studies popular in India. Since he took over, Malawi has experienced an average economic growth of seven per cent. For running a country for two successive terms as President, requires dedication. We are all very proud and happy for him.
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Books on African economy written by Prof. Singh
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President Mutharika posing in a group photograph with the alumni of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) at a luncheon held at Hotel Taj Mansingh on 2 November 2010. Seated on the left are Chairman of SRCC, Mr. Ajay S. Shriram and Principal Dr. P.C. Jain and sitting on the right are Mr. Arun Jaitley, former Cabinet Minister and now Leader of the Oppostion in Upper House of Parliament and Dr. Ashok Mittal, a fellow student and friend.
Africa in the Global Matrix – strategic engagements with India
President Mutharika while speaking to his batch mates and members of the Alumni Association of Shri Ram College of Commerce
(University of Delhi), called himself a Delhiwalla and talked about his five years (1958 to 1963) and search for knowledge, wisdom and perfection.
I am happy to stand before you this morning to address the Alumni of the University
of Delhi. This is of particular importance to me personally because I am talking to a group of people who have gone through the same lecture rooms and corridors as myself. So I am speaking to my friends and compatriots.
I am particularly pleased to see such a large number of former students of the University of Delhi gathered here this afternoon. I have been asked to speak on the topic “Africa in the Global
Matrix – Strategic Engagements with India”.
I am also happy to note that among us we have successful policy makers, eminent economists, politicians, business tycoons, academics, engineers, technocrats and physicians.
Let me at the very beginning express my deep gratitude and appreciation to Her Excellency Madam Pratibha Patil and the Government of India for inviting me for a state visit. This offered me the opportunity to have this meeting with you.
The world is always divided into three types of people: those who do not notice that things are happening; those who notice and appreciate that things are happening; and those who make things happen. Your contribution to the society, the nation or world events depends upon the category or type of people you belong to.
I like to believe that I belong to the category of people who make things happen. This is why I am happy to talk on the topic you have suggested.
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Some forty seven years ago, I walked as a student in the corridors of Sri Ram College of Commerce and the Delhi School of Economics. I lived here for five years searching for knowledge, wisdom and perfection. I call myself Delhi – Walla.
I am happy to say that I learned a great deal from this university and have used such knowledge to excel to the highest levels of leadership and to make the world around me better. I am proud of my achievements.
When I left this university, I did not stop studying. I have attended dozens of courses ranging from business financing, real estate management , f i lm-making industry, trade policy and many more. You see, for me learning never ends. I am still studying and learning new skills to make me a better person.
I would like to start by drawing your attention to the fact that Africa is not a poor continent. Rather the people of Africa are poor. Africa has vast deposits of minerals of all kinds, timber, livestock, fisheries and other natural resources.
Hitherto, the Africa many Indians have been made to know is the Africa of incessant calamities, the Africa of endemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, the Africa where many children die before the age of five years, the Africa of conflicts, terrorism and piracy, and indeed the Africa of underdevelopment and extreme poverty. This is the Africa you are informed about.
But you are not informed about the new Africa, the Africa that is not mentioned in the international media. This is the Africa of new hopes, new opportunities, and increasing investment opportunities. There is an Africa where diseases are being brought under control and infant mortality
is significantly reducing, and the Africa where extreme poverty is being tackled head on. The Africa’s war on these is being won.
We the African leaders and all people of Africa have long realized that our continent has abundant natural and human resources, minerals and precious stones. Africa has been the source of raw materials used for industrialization of Europe and North America.
If the mineral, agricultural, forestry and marine resources now flowing into Europe and North America were to be stopped today the economic machinery of these countries would certainly collapse.
Africa has power to change the world. We believe that if we could engage Asian countries such as India to apply science and technology, we can unlock the huge potentials that exist through the vast resources and hence make the world better.
I want to draw your attention to the fact that at the African Union level, we have identified that food security is fundamental for Africa to move from poverty to prosperity. The African leaders unanimously agreed that within a period of five years, Africa must be able to feed itself, and that no child in Africa should die of hunger, starvation or malnutrition.
We in Malawi believe that agricultural development is an area where India has made considerable progress. When I was here some forty seven years ago, India could not feed itself. But now India produces a lot of food.
We have therefore developed the African Food Basket Programme as a tool to ensuring food sufficiency in Africa. This is a mega investment project that will involve all African countries and will envisage the purchase of
tractors, agricultural implements, irrigation equipment, fertilizers and manures, improved seeds, cement for dam construction, water pumps, pipes and trucks for transportation.
Furthermore, India is a country that is well known for achieving the ‘Green Revolution’, through research in modern and high yielding seed varieties and other policies that led to increased agricultural productivity.
The A f r i can Food Baske t Programme will gain a lot from the Indian experience of the Green Revolution. We would therefore like to see African and Indian researchers and agricultural experts work together to develop agricultural systems that are suitable for the continent.
India is also leading the way in development of appropriate technology that has seen the country attain tremendous growth. We want to learn and adopt the technologies that are suitable to developing countries such as ours.
We would l ike to see our small scale entrepreneurs use appropriate machines that will result in value addition to our agricultural products. I am aware that such low cost technologies that can be easily adapted by our people are available in India and hence the need to foster cooperation in this area.
There is now a global consensus that Africa can supply food to the rest of the world. Therefore in the nex t two to th ree decades, sustainable growth and development in African countries will be determined by what happens in the agriculture sector.
The following is the global matrix in which India and Africa can play a leading role in increasing agriculture and food production beyond subsistence.
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I would like to conclude by stating that I believe that our partnership with India will lead to unprecedented growth on the continent that will result in Africa graduating into a key global player.
The New Africa I have presented to you is not just a dream. Working together we will ensure that the new Africa becomes a reality in a very short time.
Our strategic partnership with India is a key component in the attainment of the new Africa, a continent that will become a significant player on the global scene.
In the next twenty years major events in the world will be determined by what happens in Africa.
I wish all of you, my fellow alumni, the best of luck and great success in all your endeavours. Remember, learning never ends.
God Bless You All.SHUKRIA.
| Memoir |
President Mutharika chatting with his batchmates of Shri Ram College of Commerce
Firstly, we have introduced subsidies for African smallholder farmers, especially women, to enable them produce beyond subsistence. This has worked well for Malawi and we believe it can work in many countries in Africa. Such subsidies should be directed towards the purchase of fertilizers, improved seeds, pesticides, tractors and irrigation equipment, extension services, and marketing.
Secondly India’s intervention in the global matrix can be through scaling up African food productivity through increasing investment in irrigation infrastructure, especially small earth dams for rural communities. This is a very lucrative business.
The transport sector offers huge investment opportunities for the private sector either in the form of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) option or the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) option.
Thirdly, African countries are also beginning to capitalize on
developing new clean energy sources such as solar and wind. Appropriate attention is now being given to national, regional and inter-regional power connectivity to help smoothen out the uneven distribution of energy resources across Africa.
Fourthly, Africa can collaborate with India in investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the flow of information, movement of people, goods and services including market statistics, product ion and supply of agricultural inputs, within and among nations, regions and the continent at large.
I s ee the oppor tun i ty o f collaboration with India on the global stage through home grown policies and advanced and appropriate technologies. We seek to create strategic partnerships with India in areas like the Green Belt where we shall develop extensive irrigation schemes to control climate change.
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University of Delhi Confers an Honorary Degree on President Mutharika
The Vice Chancellor of University of Delhi, Prof. Dinesh Singh, chronicles biographical sketch of President Bingu wa Mutharika at a glittering function to confer an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) on 4 November 2010. The prestigious award was given by the Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari in his capacity as Chancellor.
Born on the 24th of February 1934 in Kamoto village, in Thyolo distr ict of
Malawi, Dr. Bingu has been an alumnus of the University of Delhi. He obtained his B.Com (Hons.) degree from the Shri Ram College of Commerce of the University of Delhi and his M.A in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi in 1961 and 1963 respectively. Dr. Bingu obtained his Ph.D. in Development Economics from the Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, USA.
Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika displayed leadership qualities from a very early age when he became school captain or head prefect of the school and later scouts master of the local chapter of the Boys Scout Association. He was also elected President of the African Students Association of India.
Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika has formidable professional and managerial experience at the international level. Having held senior positions in the Government of Malawi (1963-64), Government of Zambia (1965-66), the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (1966-75), The World United Bank (1975-78) and the United Nations Commission for Africa (1991-97), the Reserve Bank of Malawi (2001-2003) and the Ministry of economic Planning (2003-2004).
Dr. Bingu has authored five books, namely, Towards Mult inational Economic Co-operation in Africa, (Praeger Publishers, Newyork 1972); One Africa One Destiny: Towards Democracy , Good Governance and Development (SAPES Trust, Zimbambwe,1995); The Road to Prosperity: The Resumption of Economic Growth in Malawi (Forthcoming 2005); Mabizinesi Aphindu: Mayendetsedwe Abwino Amakono 2004; and The Sharing of Power: Conflicts in Malawi Democracy.
Dr. Bingu has been awarded the Agricola medal of the food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Food Security Policy Leadership Award; Medal of Glory Award Miami, Florida and Drivers of Change Award by the Southern Africa Trust (SAT).
Dr. Bingu has been honored by conferment of an honorary Degree of law by Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Malawi. In May 2010, Dr. Bingu was appointed as Professor of Economic Development by the East China Noble University, China in view of his remarkable achievements in the field of economic development.
Dr. Bingu was elected as the president of the Republic of Malawi in 2004 and was Re-elected to the High Office in 2009. On 31st January, 2010, Dr Bingu Wa Mutharika was elected Chairman of the African Union (AU) and is the current Chairman of the African Union.
| Award |
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof. Dinesh Singh, speaking at the special convocation
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The Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari in his capacity as Chancellor of University of Delhi, presenting the Honorary Doctorate Degree to President Mutharika at the
University of Delhi’s Special Convocation on 4 November 2010
President Mutharika signing the register of University of Delhi as recipient of Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa
Some forty seven years ago I graduated from this university with a Masters
Degree second division. Little did I know that I would return to this place as Head of State of my country and Chairman of the African Union.
Today, I stand before you filled with joy and happiness as I receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa from this my own university.
This award is special because the University of Delhi is not just an ordinary university. This is one of the most prestigious universities, not only in India, but the whole world.
“Delhi University, My own University” - President Mutharika
Acceptance Speech by President Mutharika on the Occasion of the Conferment of an Honourary Degree of Doctor of Letters by University of Delhi on 4 November 2010 at a well attended Special Convocation
This award is an honour not only for me but also for my family and above all my country. I am aware that the honour is an appreciation of the special work I have done in the field of food security and economic development in Malawi.
I am, therefore, extremely glad to be a product and graduate of this great university.
As a young man, I came to this University at the Sri Ram College of Commerce and later the Delhi School of Economics in search of knowledge and knowledge I indeed got. I was determined to reach for the sky.
I am glad to attest that this University has made me what I am today. The education grounding I got from this university launched me into a journey in search
| Acceptance Speech |
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President Mutharika gives his Acceptance Speech on the Occasion of the Conferment of an Honourary Degree of Doctor of Letters by University of Delhi on 4 November 2010 at a well attended Special Convocation
(L to R) The High Commissioner of Malawi, Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, her spouse Prof. Lewis Mughogho, Malawi Chief of Protocol, Mr. Gusto Mabvuto,
High Commissioner of India to Malawi and Zambia, Mr. Ashok Kumar and his spouse Mrs. Jassi Kumar at the University of Delhi
of knowledge, excellence and perfection.
Knowledge and training of any kind is useful only if it can be put to good use. I can say that with the knowledge I acquired from the University of Delhi, I worked extremely hard to turn Malawi from poverty to prosperity; from food deficit, hunger and malnutrition to abundant food security; and from despair and hopelessness to a vibrant nation of new hopes and new opportunities. Today, Malawi is, according to independent observers, one of the best managed economies in Africa.
Since I took over as President of Malawi in 2004, the country has grown at an average rate of 7.5 per cent annually. We have constructed new infrastructure, new schools, new hospitals and new public utilities. We have seen improvements in the standard of living and social welfare. We have Malawi of the new beginning. People are generally better off today that they were six years ago.
At the African level, I want to state that Africa is not a poor continent. Rather, it is the people who are poor. If we look at the natural resources that are in abundant supply on the African continent, there is absolutely no reason for describing the continent as poor.
It is my strong belief that if we can only unlock the huge potential that exists through the vast resources that we have, Africa can become a prosperous continent. Fortunately, Africans have come to fully understand this fact and we are committed to take the necessary steps to unlock this huge potential.
In Africa we have identified food security as the fundamental area of focus which will turn around our continent. We have developed
the African Food Basket Concept as a tool to ensuring that we attain food self sufficiency on the continent.
It is my belief that India can help Africa to achieve food self sufficiency as the basic ingredient for attaining growth and prosperity. A hungry continent cannot have healthy and educated citizens and hence cannot be productive and compete on the global market.
Under the African Food basket Concept, we have designated
effective strategies to ensure that the continent is able to feed itself as well as sell the surplus to other continents.
It is our target that in the next five years, the continent will be food secure, where no child will go to bed on an empty stomach. This will be achieved through investments that will lead to increased agricultural productivity.
This is feasible because presently only 10% of arable land on the
54
African continent is being put to agricultural use. Furthermore, the continent experiences post-harvest losses of over 40%. There is therefore every opportunity to increase food availability on the continent if we can only utilize the available land and reduce significantly post-harvest losses.
The African Food Basket will further be supported by investment in transport infrastructure to enable food to be moved from food deficit areas to food surplus areas. It will also be supported by investment in energy which will enable irrigation, food processing and value addition to take place.
We also plan to invest in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enable transfer of information, including market statistics, to farmers across regions.
I am pleased to say that the African leaders have committed themselves to achieve food security in five years time. Our own experience in Malawi has shown that it is possible to turn things around in a very short space of time.
I, therefore, see Africa move resolutely from hopelessness to hopefulness and ful l of opportunities. I see Africa as a place where its young people will be able to get jobs and stay on the continent.
I wish to suggest that a strong Africa is a better trading partner for India than a weak one. Africa needs your support for us to drive forward the new African development agenda.
The other lesson Malawi can learn from India’s success is in investment in human capital. India has top class experts in all fields including health, engineering, information technology and many others.
Malawi would like to develop cooperation with India in areas of human capacity development as a necessary means for attaining sustainable growth and prosperity.
Through the India-Africa Forum, we would like to see improved cooperation in these areas. It is my belief and expectation that our partnership with India will lead to unprecedented growth on the
continent that will result in Africa being a key global player.
The new Africa that I have described to you is not just a dream. We are determined to ensure that the new Africa becomes a reality in a very short time.
Our strategic partnership with India is a key component in the attainment of the new Africa, a continent that will become a significant player on the global, scene.
I am therefore extremely happy to receive this honorary doctoral degree. I feel greatly honoured to be a son of this university.
I sincerely thank the University Council and management of this University for conferring this degree upon me.
want to close by encouraging all students and the alumni of this university to find and follow your dream. You can be anything you want to be.
The sky is not the limit. It never has been. The limit is your mind.
Therefore go out and shine.God Bless You All.
President Mutharika, First Lady Madame Mutharika, Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Singh in a group photograph at University of Delhi after the Special Convocation
55
Malawi Technocrats Face to Face with the Private Sector in India
The Malawi High Commission in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) organized a one-day interactive conference of Principal Secretaries and Indian captains of industry at Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi on 21 October 2010. The conference was organized as a precursor to the Business Forum held on 3 November 2010 at the same venue. The main objective of the conference was to provide an opportunity to Indian captains of industry to interact and get first hand information on Malawi’s trade and investment opportunities.
Mr. Patrick Kabambe, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and leader of delegation and Mr. K.K. Kapila from the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CII) presided over the conference. Other Principal Secretaries at the conference were: Mr. Newby Kumwembe, Secretary for Industry and Trade; Dr. Andrew Daudi, Secretary for Agriculture and Food Security; Mr. R. Mwadiwa, Secretary for Natural Resources, Energy and Mines; Mr. Ted Sitimawina, Secretary for Development Planning and Cooperation; Mr. C. Kumangirana, Secretary for Transport and Public Infrastructure. Also present were Director of Aid Management, Mr. P. Simbani, Ministry of Finance and Mrs. Sheila Bandazi Director of Nursing Services in the Ministry of Health and the Malawi High Commissioner to India, Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Kapila the thanked Malawi High Commission for organizing the conference which he said
would provide the Indian businesspersons the opportunity to learn more about Malawi as a country and its trade and investment opportunities.
The High Commissioner, Dr Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, informed the gathering that she was pleased with the turnout of Indian businesspersons at the conference and that it was a demonstration that Indians were
In his remarks to mark the official opening of the conference, Mr. Patrick Kabambe, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and leader of delegation gave an overview of Malawi and its economy since 2004 when the current regime in Malawi took over the reigns of power. He informed the conference that within a short period of time Malawi had been completely transformed
interested to invest and do business with Malawi. She pointed out that her Mission was satisfied with the cooperation that existed between the Malawi High Commission and the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and expressed the hope that this cooperation would translate into more business between Malawi and India.
from a food importing country to a food exporter. The Secretary said the surplus food production was attributed to the farm input subsidized programme. Mr. Kabambe said, for many years Malawi had been grappling with hunger but ever since the current government was ushered in 2004, the country had started registering food surplus.
The Indian business community attending an interactive conference with Principal Secretaries of various ministries from Malawi prior
to the State Visit of President Mutharika
| Preparatory Meeting |
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The Secretary further informed the gathering that Malawi’s economy grew steadily and in 2008 the country recorded 9.7% growth and in 2009 the growth rate was 8%. For the past four years the growth has averaged 7%. He also informed the gathering that Malawi had been recognized as the second most peaceful nation in 2008 in Africa after Botswana. In 2009 Malawi was among the top five African countries on the peace index barometer. He then invited Indian investors to consider Malawi as their investment destination.
After the speech by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Secretaries of line ministries took turns to inform the Indian businessmen about the opportunities in their sectors. Mr. Ted Sitimawina, Secretary for Development and Economic Planning gave an overview of the country’s growth and development strategy. He informed the conference that Malawi’s development agenda was being pursued through nine priority areas which the country had identified, namely: Agriculture and Food Security; Greenbelt Irrigation and Water Development; Education, Science and Technology; Transport Infrastructure and the Nsanje World Inland Port; Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change; Integrated Rural Development; Public Health, Sanitation and HIV/ AIDS Management ; Youth Development and Empowerment; and Energy Mining and Industrial Development. He invited the India business community to invest in the projects covered in the priority areas.
Mr. Newby Kumwembe, Secretary for Industry and Trade, presented the trade and investment picture of the country. He informed the conference that his ministry was responsible for facilitating investments in the country
through the Malawi Investment Promotion Agency (MIPA) which acts as a one-stop-service centre. He called on aspiring Indian businessmen to go through MIPA for their investment needs. Mr. Kumwembe further assured Indian businessmen that Malawi is a signatory to the International Investment Insurance Agency and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPA) with a number of countries. He informed the meeting that Malawi was contemplating signing an IPPA with India to further provide Indian investors assurance that their investments in Malawi would be secure.
Speaking on Agriculture, Dr Daudi informed the gathering that taking advantage of the abundant water from lakes and rivers in Malawi, the Government had embarked on the Greenbelt irrigation programme with the aim of boosting agriculture production. He informed the conference that one way of doing this would be through farm mechanization. He invited Indian investors to consider investing in farm machinery. He also informed the Indian business persons that apart from farm implements, opportunities existed in agro-processing for value addition.
The Secretary for Natural R e s o u r c e s , E n e r g y a n d Envi ronment , Mr . Radson Mwadiwa dwelled on opportunities that exist in mining, generation and supply of electricity and renewable energy. He informed the conference that Malawi was facing constraints in power generation and was looking for investors in power generation. He informed the conference that with many rivers in Malawi his ministry had plans to utilize the rivers for mini-power generation and was looking for investors in this sector. He informed the gathering that Malawi was also considering
thermal power generation using coal and a turnkey project of a 350 km long oil pipeline from Beira on the Mocambique coast to Nsanje port.
Mr. Kumangirana, Secretary fo r T ranspor t and Publ i c Infrastructure, cited Nsanje World Inland Port, railways and roads as some of the areas where Indian investors could consider investing. He alluded to the fact that Indian railways provided the country with abundant expertise which Malawi could tap for improving its railway network. He also informed the conference that with the completion of the first phase of the Nsanje World Inland Port project, many opportunities existed in ancillary projects like road networks.
Speaking on the health sector, Mrs. Sheila Bandazi informed the conference that in view of India’ strength in the health sector, Malawi was keen to establish collaboration with relevant institutions in India in human resource development with a view to enhancing the capacities of the medical personnel in Malawi. She also informed the gathering that Malawi was looking for investors to set up a plant for manufacturing of drugs for antiretroviral for HIV/Aids and other pharmaceuticals.
After the presentation by various sectors, the conference went into a one–on–one session where Indian businesspersons zeroed in on specific interests with Malawi Secretaries. It was clear that Indian business persons were interested in many areas.
Speaking at the end of the session Malawi’s High Commissioner to India, Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, expressed satisfaction that the conference, though not an end in itself, had achieved its objective in that it opened debate and engagement.
| Preparatory Meeting |
57
Malawi Mission Diplomats Donate Blankets and Cash to Callista Mutharika
safe Motherhood Foundation
During His Excellency President Mutharika’s state visit to India, the
Malawi High Commission staff and their spouses met the Malawi First Lady, Madam Callista Mutharika on 4th November, 2010 at the Taj Mansingh Hotel. During the audience the diplomats donated 100 blankets and a cheque for the sum of $3,000 to the First Lady’s foundation, the Callista Mutharika Safe Motherhood Foundation.
In accepting the donation, the First Lady thanked the diplomats for
their kind gesture and appreciated the donation as it would go a long way in helping the vulnerable children in Malawi. The First Lady then briefed the diplomats on the background and mission of her foundation.
The Callista Mutharika Safe M o t h e r h o o d F o u n d a t i o n (CMSMF) was launched on 17th July, 2010 and focuses on the following areas: Safe Motherhood, Vulnerable children and families, leadership and women empowerment and child development. The goal of the
foundation is to contribute to improved quality of life among poor people especially women, the youth, children and vulnerable families living in rural areas of Malawi by facilitating socio-economic development using participatory methods. A related goal is to promote the development of women in leadership throughout the country.
In order to achieve its goals, the foundation has come up with the following list of activities for its initial phase:
Mrs. Rhoda Moyo, spouse of the Deputy High Commissioner, hands over blankets to the First Lady Madame Callista Mutharika
| Charity |
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1. Support for additional training of midwives, to be trained in 18 months in direct entry programs. Sponsorship for one midwife: US$3,539.
2. Construction of maternity
waiting homes in 12 districts in Malawi. Cost of one maternity waiting home: US$18,000.
3. Construction of houses for 60 child headed families. Cost of one house: US$3,522.
4. Purchase of 12 ambulances to improve the referrals in 12 districts. Cost of one ambulance: US$35,212.
5. Purchase of 10 resuscitators for newborn resuscitation for the central hospitals. Cost of one resuscitator: US$4,000.
6. Establishment of women in politics research and resource centre. Total budget for one year: US$35,000.
7. Creation of revolving loan fund for women: US$10,000 (per person)
8. Construction of Early Childhood Development Centers.
In her remarks , the High Commissioner Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho thanked the Malawi First Lady for sparing her time to meet with the diplomats. She commended the First Lady for establishing the foundation which is doing a commendable job assisting the women groups and the needy of the Malawian society.
Malawi High Commissioner Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho thanked the Malawi First Lady for sparing her time to meet with the diplomats and their spouses
Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, High Commissioner hands over the cheque for US $ 3000 to the First Lady Madame Callista Mutharika
| Charity |
Farewell
High Commissioner, Dr. Chrissie Chawanje Mughogho, bidding farewell to President Mutharika at Palam Airport
in New Delhi after a pathbreaking State Visit to India. The three-day visit in November 2010 culminated in four
new Agreements, awarding of an Honorary Degree by University of Delhi and announcement of Line of Credit
worth US $100 million. President Mutharika called India his “Home-away-from-Home”.
