Malawi
(Source : High Commission of India, Lilongwe)
Hon’ble Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu arrived in Malawi on a two day visit to strengthen India- Malawi bilateral relations. He was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano, Shri Venkaiah Naidu launched the “India for Humanity,” initiative in Malawi where he presented artificial limbs to two Malawian beneficiaries at Bingu International Conference Centre this was to be followed up by 500 limb camp in November December 2018. He announced the provision of a line of credit of US$ 215.16 million for 18 water projects.
The two Governments signed three (i) Agreements on Extradition Treaty, (ii) Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Officials Passports, and (iii) MoU on Capacity Building in Regulating the Mining of Radio-Active/Atomic Materials and Rare Earths with a view to further deepen and enhance cooperation between the two countries in this sector. Honorable Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu then called on His Excellency President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, where they had discussions on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest for the two countries.
Hon’ble Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu donated a Bhabhatron Telecobalt Cancer Therapy machine; medicines worth US$ 2 million; 10 hospital ambulances; 100,000 books on science, mathematics, physics etc. all a grant project.
Malawi- India Business Meet 2018
Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu graced the India- Malawi Business Meet at the Bingu International Conference Centre as the Guest of Honour and Speaker. The event was also graced by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Hon. Henry Mussa, who sought on the Hon’ble Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu, to intervene in the processes leading to the two nations signing an agreement for India to resume the import of pigeon peas from Malawi.
The Business Meet saw the unveiling of two plaques for Government of India development assistance projects namely (i) the Business Incubation Centre in Mponela, Dowa and (ii) the India Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bunda.
Peru
(Source : Embassy of India, Lima)
Trade Agreement negotiations with India (El Comercio: 29/12/2018) - In an interview published in the paper, the newly appointed Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister of Peru, Mr. Edgar Vásquez, when asked about the progress been made in the third round of negotiation on Trade Agreement with India responded that Some chapters have been closed such as the customs issues and both governments have the objective of closing the negotiations as soon as possible for Peru to emerge as the strategic partner of India for Latin America. On what being negotiated, the Minister said that we are negotiating goods, which is what of usual interest of businessmen, and also trade in services, where India is a power and where Peru also has a lot of potential to be a hub in the region for the export of services. When questioned on an expected date for the negotiations to be over, he responded that as experienced negotiators, you never put a closing date on a negotiation. It will close when both countries are comfortable with the results. It is a process that is open and the fourth round will be in March 2019 in Lima. In that line, we hope to have two more rounds in 2019. What is more important is that the results are balanced for the benefit of both parties. Mr. Vásquez was earlier Vice Minister of Foreign Trade.
Venezuela
(Source : Embassy of India, Caracas)
Potential products of exports for India
Pharmaceutical products - Venezuelan pharmaceutical industry is severely affected by the lack of private investment and relies heavily on the imports for drugs and pharmaceuticals. India is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceuticals in the world and enjoys acceptance in the Venezuelan market due to its quality and competitive prices.
Auto-parts - India is one of the top manufacturers of auto-parts in the world. Venezuela is in dire need of auto-parts for all kind of Vehicles.