Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said in the new era of global cooperation, Haryana is moving rapidly towards further strengthening and expanding its relations with African countries.He said Haryana has emerged not only as a leading state in industrial and economic sectors but has also established a distinct identity in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy, horticulture and other allied sectors. Through mutual cooperation, he said, both sides can share experience and expertise, further accelerating development.Addressing ministers, delegates and dignitaries from African countries at ‘India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet’ on the third day of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, the chief minister said that Haryana’s relationship with Africa goes beyond “business to business” and is truly “heart to heart”.He said there is immense potential for cooperation between Haryana and African countries in agriculture and allied sectors. Collaboration in modern technology, improved seeds, irrigation management, dairy development and agro-based industries will benefit both sides, he said, adding that the Haryana govt is committed to promoting institutional collaboration, investment facilitation and knowledge exchange in this direction.He said the summit is not just an international meeting but a shared platform for building a better future through cooperation and collective growth. It reflects a common vision to strengthen ties between India and Africa.Emphasising the importance of the energy sector, the chief minister credited former chief minister and current Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar for transforming Haryana’s power sector. He said the state has achieved profitability in power distribution, ensured 24-hour electricity supply in over 90 per cent of villages and reduced line losses to around 9 per cent.The CM highlighted ongoing engagements with countries like Kenya and Tanzania in agriculture, where Haryana farmers can contribute to improving productivity. He also pointed to opportunities in energy generation and infrastructure development in Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda.He highlighted Haryana’s diversified economy — agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs and startups — and noted vast opportunities for multi-sector cooperation with Southern African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Describing climate change as a global challenge, he called for joint efforts between India and Africa in renewable energy, water conservation and environmental protection.Welcoming all participants, the CM expressed confidence that the summit will mark a new beginning of friendship, cooperation and shared success between Haryana, India and African countries.Box:‘Hry preferred destination among foreign investors’Haryana has emerged as a preferred destination among foreign investors. This is evident from the growing interest of global companies expressing their willingness to invest in the state. At the summit, a delegation of Japanese company TDK Corporation met Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union minister for power Manohar Lal Khattar. During the meeting, the delegation expressed its intent to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore in Haryana to establish a new plant. The company plans to set up a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit in the state. It is noteworthy that TDK Corporation already has an established facility spread over 180 acres in Sohna, Haryana. MSID:: 129720267 413 |
