Chinese think tank to study Modi's development model

Delegation member Wang said that the purpose of their visit was to have a better understanding of the Gujarat model of development

In a bid to identify sectors for bilateral cooperation between Indian and China, Chinese think tank China Institutes for Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) on Monday began tour of Gujarat, the home state of new Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

A delegation from the CICIR will study the Gujarat model of development and look into possibilities of its replication at the national level by the new leadership in the country.

The Chinese delegation comprised of Wang Shida from Institute of South  & Southeast Asian & Oceanic Studies, Song Qingrun, executive unit chief, Bay of Bengal Rim Unit, Institute of South  & Southeast Asian & Oceanic Studies and Kishan Rana, former Indian ambassador, and professor Emeritus, Diplo Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Wang said that the purpose of their visit was to have a better understanding of the Gujarat model of development, and to have insight into the possibility of this model of development be replicated on the national scale by the new leadership. He was eager to know from businessmen and industrialists based in Gujarat and understand their hands-on experience of Gujarat model.

During an interaction with local industry and businessmen organised by the local chapter of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Wang identified sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing where the two Asian giants could work together.  

Reiterating his countries stand on the new Modi government, Wang said that China was very positive on results of the Indian general election and the pragmatic approach of the new government towards its foreign policies.  

He said that India and China will cooperate on global and bilateral fronts to ensure peace and prosperity.