Set for next growth phase: Modi

Shifting his focus to “new areas”, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS) 2013 was about injecting “positivity” into the economy.

At the summit’s inaugural address, he said, “We have deliberately added new areas to the summit. These include knowledge, technology and innovation. We want our youth to benefit from this emphasis on R&D (research and development), knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural partnerships. This event is not just about investments that would give financial returns but about injecting positivity into the economic environment.”

Addressing ministers and ambassadors of various countries, including Japan and Canada, who’s who of India Inc and delegates from 120 nations and several Indian states, Modi said the summit would seek to introduce a feeling of togetherness in socio-economic activities. “It is about bringing global and local inclusiveness in our economic processes,” he said.

The global economic meltdown in the last two years hadn’t affected Gujarat adversely, he said. “Through this summit, we want to send a positive message to the global economy. Gujarat has not only been able to sail through the economic meltdown but has maintained growth of over 10 per cent in manufacturing, services and agricultural sectors.” (Voices)

Claiming the first phase of growth and development in Gujarat was over, Modi said the second phase would see the state government trying to boost farmers’ incomes through scientific agricultural practices, round-the-clock power and broadband connectivity. “We are one of the least unemployed states; Gujarat contributes 72 per cent to the nation’s total job creation. Our new initiatives would create more than three million additional jobs,” he said.

“Gone are the days when we talked about IT, or information technology. Today, we need ET— environment technology — to save our resources, which can benefit all. Today’s world is characterised by the power of technology and information. And, in India, it is also the power of youth, as by 2020, the nation’s average age would be 29-30 years,” he said. Urging industrialists and administrators to harness the power of the youth, he said, “I firmly believe this century is India’s. It has to be the century of the Indian youth.”

Highlighting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gujarat, he said, “Last year, when SMEs in the entire country grew 19 per cent, SMEs in Gujarat grew 85 per cent.” 

SUMMIT DIARY

Foreign diplomats’ Gujarat connect
As foreign dignitaries lavished praises on Gujarat and its leader, Narendra Modi, almost everyone was keen to find a Gujarat connect. Praise came from the most unlikely corners, as British High Commissioner to India James Bevan said, “I, too, am a son of Gujarat.” Describing Gujarat and the UK as ‘natural partners’, Bevan said hailing from Leicester, home to one of the largest populations of Gujaratis outside the state, he felt a strong connection with the state.

The US, a country which has not yet granted a visa to Modi, was not far behind. Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), said, “Wherever they go, the Gujarati people succeed,” adding, “How many states, provinces or countries can boast of double digit growth?”

He ended his speech in a typical ‘desi’ style, hailing Gujarat with the words “Jai Hind, Jai Gujarat, God Bless America”. Freddy Svane, Denmark’s ambassador to India, too, started his speech with the Gujarati word, ‘kemchho’, which means ‘How are you?’.

Taking a cue from the British High Commissioner, Patricia Hewitt, chairperson of the UK-India Business Council, said, “I, too, feel a close personal connection with the Vibrant Gujaratis”. She, perhaps, spoke for the longest in Gujarati among foreign delegates, even using phrases like “Gujarat maa majaa aave” (It’s fun to be in Gujarat).

Modi hugs Ambani brothers
The Ambani brothers seem to be close to Narendra Modi’s heart, perhaps for their Gujarat connect. The minister greeted both Anil and Mukesh Ambani with a hug, as soon as he met them at the convention centre, while he welcomed other dignitaries by shaking hands. Mukesh Ambani said at the dais, “I am proud to say that Reliance is a Gujarati company.” The inaugural session was attended by many luminaries, including Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons; Shashi Ruia, chairman of Essar Group; Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra group; Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group and R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India, among others.

Japanese firms, shaken by natural disasters, eye Gujarat
Japan, a partner country for this year’s Vibrant Gujarat Summit, has sent a delegation of more than 100 people. This includes 19 companies from north-eastern Japan, hit by a strong earthquake and tsunami last month. Japanese firms are looking at forging partnerships in Gujarat. Nobuhiko Sasaki, Japan’s vice-minister in the ministry of economy, trade and industry, said, “These companies were affected by the earthquake and tsunami but they have technology in the areas of medical devices, precision engineering, etc. They are looking for Indian partners and they are looking at Gujarat. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit should provide them with that opportunity.” He added many Japanese companies, including SMEs, had explored India as a potential investment destination and some had given up. “But, Gujarat offers a great potential for investment by Japanese companies,” he said.