India-Malawi India-Malawi 2019 | Page 5

of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Bunda. borders with Malawi viz., Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. It is our hope that the strengthened relations, result in a more active economic presence. The Vice President of India also announced Government of India Lines of Credit of US$ 215.68 to Government of Malawi for water projects in Malawi. He announced gifting of a Bhabhatron Cancer treatment machine for the upcoming Cancer Hospital in Lilongwe; medicines worth US$ 2 million; 10 medical ambulances and 100,000 books for Malawi senior secondary schools. A one-month free workshop by Jaipur Foot Technicians to fi x 551 limbs in Malawi was undertaken in Lilongwe in November – December 2018, a commitment made during the Vice President’s visit. The High Commission of India in Malawi looks forward to working with the Government of the Republic of Malawi and the Private Sector in Malawi to bring more economic activity, expanding the capacity building and skill development, generating employment through various projects and schemes. India has already delivered under various Lines of Credit so far totaling US$ 180 million. Some landmark development projects like Salima Sugar Factory, Strategic Fuel Reserves of 60 mn litres; three Cotton Ginneries; Pigeon Pea Processing Plants, etc. The ongoing US$23.5 million Blantyre Water project which will be completed by mid-2019 will add 20 Million liters per day to the current water capacity to Blantyre City. Both countries signed three bilateral agreements on (i) Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic & Offi cial Passport Holders; (ii)Extradition Treaty between India and Malawi; and, (iii) MoU for Cooperation in the fi eld of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, Department of Atomic Energy, India and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy & Mining, Malawi. We, at the High Commission, feel that these high- level exchanges of visits have energized relationship at the political and bilateral levels between the two countries. Though the relations between India and Malawi have been historical, the trade and business relations have not yet reached the levels, that opportunities off er and for which the potential exists. The Indian private business sector has a very active presence and large investments in countries that share Another landmark development will be the construction and gifting of the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre in Blantyre to accommodate over 4000 people, in the coming year. India is extending 250 fully paid short-term training programmes every year, to further collaborate with Malawi in capacity building programs. I am confi dent, the business and bilateral relations between India and Malawi would scale newer heights in the coming years. Suresh Kumar Menon High Commissioner of India, Malawi 2019 • INDIA-MALAWI • 5