Growth Net 2014 ends on an optimistic note for emerging economies

The 2nd annual meeting of 'The Growth Net' ended with consensus on boosting cooperation among emerging economies in the areas of infrastructure development, capacity building, technology and good governance.

Concluding the meeting, thought leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe unanimously shared their optimism on the growth potential in the developing markets despite the slowdown.

The Growth Net 2014 featured more than 100 speakers and nearly 300 representatives from over 25 countries, including policy makers, heads of institutions, academics and corporate members. Giving a unique insight into the global economic agenda, the conclave comprised representation from both developed and developing nations.

The three-day meeting, jointly organised by the Ananta Centre (formerly part of Aspen Institute India) and the Smadja and Smadja group, was held in New Delhi from March 23-25.

A central novelty at The Growth Net this year were highly-focused, parallel thematic tracks on issues like the global water crisis, trade facilitation, healthcare, agribusiness and education.

Among the international luminaries who led the discussions at the meeting were Stanley M Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Henry Schein Inc. (US); Bundit Limschoon, Secretary General, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (Thailand); Ronnie Chan, Chairman, Hang Lung Properties (Hong Kong); Herbert Oberhaensli, Vice President-Economic and International Relations, Nestle (Switzerland); Dilma Pema, President and Director General, SABESP (Brazil); Joseph Klafter, President, Tel Aviv University (Israel) and Jorge Lopez Morton, Executive Director, Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (Mexico).

Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of India's Planning Commission; Shivshankar Menon, India's National Security Advisor; Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Indian Prime Minister of Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations; Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Industry, Environment and Forests, Power; Naina Lal Kidwai, Country Head-India and Director, HSBC Asia-Pacific; Gautam Thapar, Founder and Chairman, Avantha Group and R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki also addressed key sessions at The Growth Net 2014.

Reflecting on the deliberations carried out at the Conclave, Mr Tarun Das, Co-Chair of The Growth Net and Founder Trustee of the Ananta Centre, said, "I am pleased with the quality of discussions held in this meeting. Though The Growth Net is still in its infancy, we have come a long way. The meeting has been very positive and engaging, and we look forward to continuing the series next year as well."

"One of the key take-aways from the discussions between participants has been that the economic fundamentals for sustainable high growth are in place in most countries. These fundamentals are stronger than ever before, despite the economic slowdown. We need to address common challenges like leadership, infrastructure development and capacity building. Integrating technology and innovations through good governance is also an imperative," said Mr Claude Smadja, Co-Chair of The Growth Net and President, Smadja and Smadja group.