Bilateral trade between India and Senegal has reached a new mark of US $1.65 billion during 2021-22

India and Senegal have agreed to encourage private investment from India in sectors like agriculture, energy, health, railways, mining, housing and oil and gas, the joint statement issued during the state visit of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to Senegal, said.

The joint statement issued on Saturday maintained that Vice President Naidu held talks with Senegalese President Macky Sall and both leaders noted with satisfaction that bilateral trade between the two countries has reached a new mark of US $1.65 billion during 2021-22

“The two leaders also welcomed the development cooperation partnership that exist between the two countries through Indian Lines of Credit worth US$ 350 million, Buyer's Credit worth US$ 305 million, and capacity building training programmes under ITEC,” the joint statement noted.

As per the joint statement, Vice President Naidu announced the upgradation of Phase II of the Center for Entrepreneurship Training and Development (CEDT), which was built with the help of grants from India.

Recognizing the importance of investing in human resource development and capacity building, the Vice President also announced a special ITEC English proficiency course for Senegalese civil servants and a special professional course for Senegalese diplomats. The two leaders discussed the possibility of training in the field of defence, counter-terrorism and maritime piracy.

During the visit, the India-Senegal joint statement said, the two countries signed MoUs on Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) for 2022-26; mutual exemption from the visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, official/service passports; youth cooperation.

On the basis of the friendly and cooperative relations existing between India and Senegal, the two leaders pledged to build a mutually beneficial economic partnership in the interest of the two countries and to take advantage of all opportunities for investments available in the “Emergent Senegal 2035 Plan”, particularly in areas offering comparative advantages that may foster the development of public-private partnership, the joint statement maintained.

Vice President Naidu and Senegalese President Macky Sall discussed international political issues, including international terrorism and other armed conflicts that are not conducive to peace and stability in the world. They also pledged to support each other on issues of common interest in international forums.

The Vice President of India invited President Macky Sall to pay a visit to India. The Senegalese Head of State gladly accepted this invitation. The date of the visit will be agreed through diplomatic channels, the joint statement said.

Moustapha NIASSE, Speaker of the National Assembly of Senegal also met the Honorable Vice President of India.

The Vice President of India addressed the Indian community residing in Senegal. He also addressed the India-Senegal Business Forum in Dakar. Similarly, he delivered a public address at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD) on the theme “Tiranga-Teranga: 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Senegal”.