"If we want to develop the country industrially and economically, new cities are needed," Jaitley said, after inaugurating a logistics hub and a farmers' convention here.
The country's economic growth had made a mark in the world, he said, adding that "if we continue to make such rapid progress, we will be numero uno in the world".
India achieved independence long ago, but economic freedom eluded the country, he said. The economic and business environment was now friendly without any bottlenecks, he stated.
The logistics hub here would create jobs, Jaitley said, adding that Madhya Pradesh's agricultural growth rate was highest in the country because it had moved away from traditional farming methods.