India – Central African Republic Relations
India and Central African Republic [CAR] enjoy friendly relations. CAR has supported India’s candidature at various international forums. Both countries are keen to strengthen the existing relations.
Mr. Parfait Anicent Mbay, 2nd Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophone and Central Africans Abroad visited India to participate in the 9th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership held in Delhi from 17-19 March, 2013.
Mr. Faustin-Archange Touadera, Prime Minister of CAR visited New Delhi from March 18-20, 2012, led a high level delegation comprising six Cabinet Ministers [Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Transport, Minister of Energy and Hydraulic, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Commerce and Minister and Director of Cabinet of President]; senior officials and members of Chambers of Commerce of CAR to attend the 8th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership. CAR was ‘Guest Country’ at the Conclave. Prime Minister of CAR had called on former Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Foreign Minister Lt. Gen. Antoine Gambi had earlier visited India from 18-19 February 2011 for the LDC Foreign Ministers Conference held in New Delhi and again for the 7th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave for India Africa Project Partnership in March 2011.
A delegation led by Minister of Small & Medium Enterprises and consisting of Deputy Minister for Finance and Adviser to the President of CAR took part in the 6th CII-EXIM Bank conclave held on March 14-16, 2010.
Minister of Economic Planning and International Cooperation, Minister for Energy and Minister for Communications participated in 7th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave held in New Delhi from February 27-29, 2011.
Agreements/MOUs:
The following bilateral Agreements/MOUs exist between India and CAR:
• Foreign Office Consultation signed on September 3, 2010.
• MOU for setting up two learning stations under the Hole-in-Wall Computer Education project signed on September 3, 2010.
• MOU for setting up an IT Centre for Excellence in Bangui signed in March, 2010.
Foreign Office Consultations:
The first Foreign Office Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs were held in capital Bangui on January 17, 2011. The issues of bilateral interest and ways to expand trade, investment and technical cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
India’s Economic Assistance to CAR:
Lines of Credit: The Government of India has approved the following Lines of Credit to the CAR:
• LOC project of US$ 24 million for construction and commissioning of a 400 MT/day cement plant in Bangui was nearing completion when all the Indian workers had to be evacuated in early 2014 due to security situation in CAR.
• US$ 5.5 million for supply of 100 buses, spare parts and construction of a workshop for the buses. The buses have already been supplied and are running in Bangui and on inter-state routes. The workshop for these buses has been completed.
• Two other LOCs for US$ 20 million for Limestone mining and US$ 39.69 million for two hydroelectric projects are ready for signatures by the Government of CAR.
Donations and Grants:
Two learning stations under the Hole-in-Wall Computer Education were set up and inaugurated on 31st August, 2011.
The Pan African e-network project has been implemented in CAR. Teleeducation, Telemedicine and VVIP connectivity have been set up in Bangui.
Capacity Building Programme:
25 slots under ITEC programme were allocated for 2012-13, out of which 7 were utilised. 1 slot of AIFS was also utilized. 4 CAR women availed of ITEC training in solar electrification and rooftop water harvesting course at Barefoot College, Rajasthan during 2014-15.
Trade and Commercial Relations:
Trade between the two countries is miniscule due to the long history of political and security unrest in the CAR. CAR has huge natural resources such as diamond, gold, uranium, timber, oil and hydropower and there is a lot of potential for bilateral cooperation.
Bilateral trade figures are given below:
(US$ million)
| Year | 2006- 07 | 2007- 08 | 2008- 09 | 2009- 10 | 2010- 11 | 2011- 12 | 2012- 13 | 2013- 14 | 2014- 15 |
| Exports | 2.41 | 1.31 | 2.42 | 5.2 | 3.52 | 6.28 | 8.15 | 7.73 | 7.76 |
| Imports | 0.44 | 1.15 | 2.45 | 0.67 | 1.55 | 2.08 | 1.99 | 0.91 | 0.63 |
Indian community:
Due to the prevailing political and security situation, about 10 Indians are living in CAR. They are primarily engaged in trading activities.
Note: Content for this article provided by IAFS.in
India – Central African Republic Relations
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