According to Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Director, International Trade Centre, the initial focus of SITA was to explore how East African countries could enhance their exports to India. It has now grown into a much larger project which is aimed at boosting trade as well as foster foreign direct investment between India and East Africa as well as the rest of the world.

Speaking at the session, Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India stated that the SITA Project was a perfect example of South-South cooperation and would promote the development of value chains between India and East Africa.

Addressing the participants, Sameer Munjal, Chairman, CII Haryana State Council and Managing Director, Satyam Auto Components highlighted the need to promote Investment-led Trade to could help East African countries move up the value chain in terms of its exports and correct the trade imbalance between India and East Africa. He stated that the SITA project is uniquely positioned to help facilitate such a partnership between India and East Africa.

Tamar Bello, Officiating Head, DFID India stated that the UK was ready to provide hands on support to a number of export sectors in Africa. She felt that the SITA project would be a tool to help eradicate poverty in the region.
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