Gandhinagar, Dec 18 (IANS): In a bid to boost India-Africa trade ties, the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit 2019 will celebrate Africa Day on January 19.

Talking to reporters, SJ Haider, principal secretary, Tourism said, "On January 19th, we will be celebrating the Africa Day, marking the trade ties between India and African countries."

"Over the last four years, the exports from the ports of Gujarat have doubled. Gujarat is exporting its products in 51 out of the total 54 African countries. We will be focussing on around 14 sectors where trade between the two sides is good," Haider informed.

"More than 12 MoUs will be signed during the event, most notably in healthcare, education and mineral development sectors," he added.

As many as 32 African countries are participating in the summit.

"32 out of 54 countries have confirmed their participation and other are expected to join," said Haider.

The trade show at the exhibition centre will have an African Pavillion, featuring various projects' progress carried out under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gujarat and over 20 African countries.

"The VGGIS will be inaugurated on January 17, most probably by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The significant addition in this year's edition of the global trade show will be business through buyer-sellers meet. For the first time we will have a reverse buyer-seller meet and vendor development sections," Haider stated.

A bullet train simulator will also be placed at the trade show. Also, there will be a display of Innovation and technology with Robotic and Laser cutting. There will also be a display of digital economy and disruptive technology.

The trade show will be spread across 2,00,000 square meters with 5 pavillions where 1500 participants will be displaying their stalls and products. There will also be 15 partner country pavillions and Indian states pavillions and pavilliions featuring central government's flagships programs like 'Make In India', Digital India', Start-Up India', ITES, Sagarmala, Ayushyaman Bharat and Indradhanush.

The VGGIS will also have trade shows focussed on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. There will be a special MSME zone.

Besides, the global trade show will also see a fashion show based on 'Farm to Fabric' theme.