The delegation led by Hon. Esono Mba Domingo, Vice – Minister of Commerce & SME Promotion participated in the 14th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership, which took place on 17-19 March 2019 in New Delhi.

On 18th of March 2019, Hon. Esono Mba Domingo was a lead discussant at the session on “Harnessing the Digital Potential of African Countries – Investing in Infrastructure and Skills”. During the session, the Vice – Minister shared spoke about investment of Equatorial Guinea’s Government in not only road infrastructure but also the electronic communication sector with the construction of terrestrial and submarine Optical Fibre backbones throughout the country, leading to a higher development of the country.

As expressed by the Hon. Vice-Minister the investments made since 2014 for the transformation of the Public Administration also included the installation of a modern equipped Data Centre, which connects the departments of the Government. Not to mention about launch of the Single Business Window, which enables completion of all formalities related to the establishment of a company in just 7 days.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea also gives a high importance to training of human resources in all areas. The leading institution in the country, the National University of Equatorial Guinea provides training programmes in various fields, like engineering and medicine. A new university centre, the Afro-American University of Central Africa, will be inaugurated soon in the new administrative city of La Paz in the district of Djibloho, with an ambition to become a leading educational institution in the region. Higher studies in the field of mining and energy will also be introduced at the Polytechnic University Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Mongomo, university centre, which also will be inaugurated soon.

Hon. Vice-Minister Domingo concluded his speech with the following words: “I would not like to end my speech without sharing with you and the businessman present here, that this year 2019 is the energetic year of Equatorial Guinea, in which soon, in addition to the Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries, also a New Round of Bidding for Blocks for Oil Exploration will be launched, and the first meeting for the Mining Exploration in Equatorial Guinea. (…) We invite all interested parties to visit Equatorial Guinea to participate with their know-how and investment in one of the most attractive environments for Foreign Direct Investment.”

The CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership was launched by CII in partnership with EXIM Bank of India and with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Since the year 2005, over 14 editions, it has emerged as the pioneer event in building partnerships and enhancing the economic engagement between the two regions.