Naidu says his visit to 3 Latin American countries addressed contact deficit

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on May 14, 2018, said that his visit to three Latin American countries has addressed the ‘high level contact deficit’ with the important region and would help in improving bilateral trade and investments for mutual benefit. He briefed mediapersons at Frankfurt, Germany, on May 14 before leaving for New Delhi after concluding his week long visit to Guatemala, Panama and Peru.

Naidu said, “High level visits by Indian leaders to identified countries and regions of the world are affirmative statements of intent to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit. India has embarked on such engagements over the last four years and this visit is a part of that well thought out outreach. This is in line with India’s vision for a better world through collective actions for shared benefits.”

The Vice President explained that the three Latin American countries offered significant opportunities for India given their high level of engagement with the USA and the other North and South American economies through regional arrangements and Free Trade Agreements, besides being logistic and financial hubs in the region, according to a PIB release.

Naidu further said, “India’s sub-optimal engagement with these three countries is to a large extent due to high level contact deficit. My visit is the highest level ever from both sides to Guatemala and Panama since establishment of diplomatic ties about 50 years ago. Former President K R Narayanan visited Peru in 1998.  I am hopeful that my visit would catalyse enhanced flow of trade and investments through necessary follow up actions by respective governments.”

Naidu informed that the top leadership of the three Latin American countries have acknowledged the strengths and expertise of India in various fields and its fast growing economy which they said could benefit their countries under enhanced engagement.

The Vice President stated that during his visit, five Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements have been signed. These relate to training of diplomats and English teachers of Guatemala, Exemption of visas for diplomatic, official and consular passport holders of India and Panama besides a Work Plan for cooperation in agricultural research and Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy with Peru.

Naidu said, “ Presidents, Vice Presidents and senior ministers concerned of these three countries spending long hours discussing various issues of mutual interest and the road ahead with the Indian delegation has been very assuring.”