Current News

Visit of MOFPI delegation to Luanda, September 4 – 7, 2013

The Government of India had offered to set up a Food Processing Business Incubation Centre (FPBIC) in Angola under the India Africa Forum Summit II (IAFS – II) decision in 2011.  In implementation of the decision by the IAFS – II a three-member Government of India delegation comprising Mr. Usurupati Venkateswaralu, Joint Secretary (Leader of the delegation), Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), New Delhi; Mr. Suneel Arora, Deputy Secretary, MOFPI; and Mr Aravazhi Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer, International Crops Researh Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad; visited Luanda on 4 – 7 September 2013.  The primary objectives of the delegation were to do site-selection / identification of host institution and have meetings with the concerned authorities in Angola so as to have mutual understanding on the implementation mechanism including roles and responsibilities on both sides. 

The delegation was warmly received by the Angolan side and the National Director in the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture accompanied the delegation throughout the visit.  The delegation held meetings with the concerned Angolan authorities and conducted field visits.  The consent of the Angolan Government for setting up the FPBIC including signing of a bilateral agreement between the two Governments and an Agreement between the host institution and ICRISAT are awaited.

Ambassador’s Visit to Kwanza Sul and Benguela, September 10 – 15, 2013

Ambassador Mr Debraj Pradhan paid an official visit to the Provinces of Kwanza Sul and Benguela on 10 – 15 September 2013.  At Sumbe, on 10 September 2013, the Governor of Kwanza Sul, received Ambassador and hosted an official lunch in his honour which was attended by senior officers of the province. On 11 Septmber 2013, Ambassador had an official meeting with the Governor in his office.  The meeting was attended by two Vice Governors, Cabinet, police chiefs, traditional rulers and others.  Subsequently, Ambassador and the Governor, paid an official visit to Fabrica de Cimento do Kwanza Sul (FCKS) Cement Plant at Cuacra village in Sumbe.  The 4200 TPD Cement Plant is being built by a Dubai-based Indian company, ETA Star International where more than 1200 Indian professionals and workmen are engaged.  Later, Ambassador also met the Indian management and workmen at the Cement Plant.  Ambassador’s meeting with the Governor and their visit to the Cement Plant was widely covered by the visual and print media in Sumbe.

Later, Ambassador visited Benguela on 12 – 14 September 2013.  On 13 September 2013 Ambassador met the Secretary to the Provincial Government in the Office of the Governor of Benguela as the Governor was away from Benguela.  Ambassador also met the Indian professionals working at Lobito Port, Sonamat and Chevron.