OECD SEES SCOPE FOR STABILITY AND GROWTH IN AFRICA

23 giugno 2015

2 min di lettura

(VELINO) Roma, 23 Jun - Luigi Marras, director general forglobalisation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation, in an interview with the ministry'sMultimedia News Room and Velino/Pei News commented: "When wespeak about Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, we thinkabout the immigration flows coming from that region.Nevertheless, migrants only come from a few countries, as inAfrica there is a totally different situation of stability andgrowth." The diplomat addressed the issue during thepresentation of the OECD's African Economic Outlook 2015report, which showed that despite the global financial crisis,Africa's economies are still growing quickly, with a probable4.5 percent growth in GDP in 2015 and 5 percent in 2016, quiteclose to Asian growth rates. "It is important to grasp suchopportunities. We are currently focusing on agrifood andenergy, which is paradigmatic. We would like to focus furtheron culture and regional development, highlighted as importantin the OECD report. These are sectors that Italy can supportwith its businesses and its ideas, being respectful ofenvironmental, social and economic sustainability," said thedirector general. Mr Marras also said that his directorate hasasked the OECD to add an appendix to the report regardingrelations between Italy and Africa. "The Outlook providesguidelines which should be taken very seriously intoconsideration and there are important advice for businessesintending to work in Africa. The appendix would be a usefulcomplement for Italian firms, " added the diplomat. To workmore effectively, we need to trigger ideas. "It is a trueoperational philosophy, collecting all the requests commonlymade by Italian companies, NGOs and central, local and regionaladministrations which are interested in participating andoffering an efficient support to Africa," said Marras. vel.