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Ranjini Ramaswamy
Mumbai, May 22 (Mumbai Newsline) - He gorges on basmati rice. When he was not running an East African country, he used to compete with his friends to memorise Bollywood chartbusters.
But this time, more than the Taj Mahal, it was his tour of Infosys that has impressed the socks off President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh on his historic 10-day visit to India. "India is so different from what the West makes it out to be. The industrial and technological development in your country seems unstoppable. It’s in full force," says a surprised Guelleh, as his army of delegates nods on.
If you feel Mumbai’s being left out of all this adulation, rest assured. Not only is there a lot of hooplah at the Taj Mahal Hotel surrounding the statesman’s visit, but gushy-pudgy Guelleh also raves about the Tatas and the spirit of entrepreneurship of Mumbai. And within hours of landing in Mumbai, he has already signed an accord with Ashoka Technologies to set up the first cement factory his country has ever had. Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi will also help set up a heart hospital in Djibouti.
"In healthcare relations, we will first start with the heart and then think of the rest," quips Guelleh. He adds, "Historically and culturally, we have a lot in common. Even centuries ago, sea-faring Indians bearing spices and other goods were always welcome in my country, which is a global strategic port. This trip is the beginning of greater cultural and economic ties between both countries," smiles Guelleh, sipping his black tea.
And Guelleh has every reason to smile. India, as one Indian delegate admitted, had no idea where Djibouti was.
But it has now generously extended a 10-million dollar exim Bank line of credit and a 1-million dollar humanitarian aid package comprising food and medication to the drought-affected country.
"It will be a great opportunity for our Indian businesses to set up camp there," says the delegate.
How does the president see his country’s future? "We want to be the Singapore of Africa."
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