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India is not only a good destination. It’s always a good decision to be in India: PM

Published By : Admin | December 14, 2016 | 14:20 IST
PM Modi jointly inaugurate The ET Asian Business Leaders’ Conclave 2016 with Malaysian PM, Najib Razak
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Najib, Malaysia is moving towards its goal of achieving developed country status by 2020: PM
Close relations with Malaysia are integral to the success of our Act East Policy: PM
The 21st Century is the Century of Asia: PM
India is currently witnessing an economic transformation: PM
We have now become the 6th largest manufacturing country in the world: PM
We are now moving towards a digital and cashless economy: PM
India is currently buzzing with entrepreneurial activity like never before: PM
Our economic process is being geared towards activities which are vital for generating employment or self-employment opportunities: PM
India is not only a good destination. It’s always a good decision to be in India: PM

His Excellency Dato Sri Mohammad Najib, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Members of the Management of Economic Times,

Business Leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is a great pleasure to jointly inaugurate The Economic Times Asian Business Leaders’ Conclave 2016 with His Excellency the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The fact that the Economic Times has chosen Kuala Lumpur as the venue for this Conclave proves the importance of Malaysia as a commercial and business destination.

My best wishes for the Conclave!

 

Friends.

Under the leadership of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Malaysia is moving towards its goal of achieving developed country status by 2020.

It has also shown resilience in coping with the global economic situation.

The timeless ties between India and Malaysia are reinforced by the presence of a large Indian community.

A recent symbol of our historic links is the Torana Gate in the heart of Kuala Lumpur which connects two great nations and two great cultures.

In recent times, we have forged a Strategic Partnership.

My visit to Malaysia in November last year served to reinforce this strategic engagement across a range of areas.

Close relations with Malaysia are integral to the success of our Act East Policy.

India’s initiatives including a Project Development Fund and Line of Credit have given a huge fillip to India-ASEAN cooperation.

 

Friends.

The leaders of ASEAN countries have led efforts for better integration among the countries of the region.

This initiative to bring the business leaders of Asia together is therefore very timely.

I have said on many occasions that the twenty first century is the century of Asia.

Asia where there are Hands to work, Homes to Consume and Heads have the Humility to learn.

Despite unfavourable and uncertain global economic environment, the growth prospects of the Asian region have been a ray of hope.

 

Friends.

India is currently witnessing an economic transformation.

It is not only one of the fastest growing large economies in the world. It is also marked by initiatives centered around:

- ease of doing business

-making governance transparent and efficient

-reducing regulatory overburden

 

Presently, cleaning the system from black money and corruption is very high on my agenda.

This comes closely after digitisation and introduction of GST.

The outcomes of our efforts are visible from India’s global rankings on various indicators.

India’s rank has gone up in World Bank’s Doing Business Report.

We are fast closing the gap between business practices in India and the best in the world.

We are ranked third in the list of top prospective host economies for 2016-18 in the World Investment Report 2016 released by UNCTAD.

Our rank improved by 32 positions in World Economic Forum’s ‘Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16 and 2016-17’;

We improved 16 places in ‘Global Innovation Index 2016’ and 19 positions in the World Bank’s ‘Logistics Performance Index of 2016’.

We have opened up new sectors for FDI and enhanced caps for existing sectors.

Our concerted efforts on major FDI policy reforms continue, and conditions for investment have been simplified.

The results are there for all to see.

Total FDI inflows in the last two and a half years have touched US Dollars 130 billion.

Highest ever FDI inflows were received during the last year.

The increase in FDI equity inflows in the last two financial years was 52 per cent as compared to previous two financial years.

Sources and sectors in which FDI is coming have also greatly diversified.

Our ‘Make in India’ initiative which celebrated its second anniversary this year, is aimed at making India a global hub of manufacturing, design and innovation.

I would like to highlight some of our achievements:

We have now become the sixth largest manufacturing country in the world.

Our Gross Value Added in manufacturing has recorded a growth of 9.3 per cent in 2015-16.

51 cold chain projects have been completed in the last two years and six Mega Food Parks have been opened since 2014;

19 new textile parks have been sanctioned and 200 new production units have come up in existing textile parks in the last 2 fiscal years.

This year saw 90 per cent jump in number of mobile phone units manufactured in India;

Leading global players in the auto sector have setup various new assembly lines and Greenfield units.

 

Friends.

Our efforts to ensure ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in India have been comprehensive and wide ranging, including legislative and structural.

I am happy to share that:

The constitutional amendment for Goods and Services Tax has been passed.

This is expected to be implemented in 2017.

We are moving towards a digital and cashless economy.

Our licensing regime has been greatly rationalised.

We have launched Single Window Interfaces for registering a business, EXIM clearances and Labour compliance.

Procedures involved in getting utilities like water and electricity are being simplified.

An investor facilitation cell has been created to guide and assist the investors.

Our partnership with the State Governments has also enhanced considerably since the launch of Make in India.

In association with the World Bank, the States were ranked on the basis of their business policies and procedures on agreed parameters in 2015.

This was further expanded in 2016.

We have adopted for the first time ever, a comprehensive National Intellectual Property Rights policy to lay a future roadmap for intellectual property.

We have also taken major steps to kick-start the process of ‘creative destruction’.

We are making it easier for companies to restructure and exit.

The enactment and implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is a crucial step towards ease of exit in India.

New Commercial Courts are being set up to fast track resolution of commercial disputes.

Arbitration laws have also been amended to fast track the proceedings.

 

Friends.

India is currently buzzing with entrepreneurial activity like never before.

Start-ups are the next big economic force in India and are no less than a revolution.

Our Start-up India program aims to unleash our potential in this area.

Our economic process is being geared towards activities which are vital for generating employment or self-employment opportunities.

This is the only way to reap the demographic dividend.

Through the ‘Skill India’ initative and its various components, we are trying to synergise the skills to the market requirements.

Building futuristic infrastructure is the biggest task at hand.

We are developing a pentagon of industrial corridors across the country.

There is immense focus on removing the logistic constraints across the country.

Roads, railways, ports are being upgraded across the country.

To finance such infrastructure, we have set up the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund in collaboration with foreign funds.

 

Friends.

This is a time for integration.

 Integration cannot happen without openness.

 India has always been open at the heart.

Now, at the level of economy also, we are among the most open and integrated economies.

We welcome those who are not there in India so far.

 I personally assure you that I shall be there when you need me.

 India is not only a good destination;

 It is always a good decision to be in India.

Thank You!

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.