Gandhinagar, 1 November 2012

The Prime Minister of Kenya Mr. Raila Amolo Odinga today called on Gujarat Chief Minsiter Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar. The Kenyan Prime Minster came to Gandhinagar from Mumbai and was accompanied by his special advisor Mr. Ahmed Kassam and industrialist from Mombasa.

The two leaders discussed strengthening of economic, industrial and educational ties between Gujarat and Kenya. Shri Modi recalled his visit to Kenya in 2008 and the participation of the Kenyan delegation led by their Prime Minister in the 2009 Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit and how these landmark events set the tone for a strong relation between Gujarat and Kenya. The Chief Minister invited Kenya to participate in the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit.

The Chief Minister shared an overview of the innovative Dholera SIR and GIFT city projects of the Gujarat Government.

Kenya will be electing a new President in March 2013 and Mr. Odinga is one of the candidates running for the Presidency.

Mr. Odinga lauded the development in Gujarat expressed interest exploring partnerships especially in gas, petroleum, solar & wind energy, diamonds and agro processing- fertilizers sectors. Other aspects that were discussed include increasing skill development among the youth, LNG Terminal and power energy industry.

The Kenyan Prime Minister said that through IT Network Kenya could initiate a Telemedicine Superspeciality Project with Gujarat and the way Gujarat has been using specialized universities to enhance human resource development by joining hands with universities from all over the world, Kenya and Gujarat could strengthen cooperation in the education sector.

The two leaders discussed enhancing ties in the field of cotton production and textile garment manufacturing and setting up of a Centre of Excellence for Cotton Research and Textile.

Those present during the interaction included Principal Secretary (Industry) Mr. Maheshwar Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. K Kailashnathan, Additional Principal Secretary Mr. GC Murmu, Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. AK Sharma among other officials.