New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call for the industry to increase the domestic investment drastically in line with the increased confidence of the world.
While delivering the keynote address at ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020, today via video conferencing, Prime Minister urged for the same.
He presented the ‘ASSOCHAM Enterprise of the Century Award’ to Ratan Tata, who received the award on behalf of the TATA Group.
Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister commended the business community for their contribution to nation-building. He said now the industry has complete freedom to touch the sky and urged them to take full advantage of it, put your full strength in the coming years for a self-reliant India, he said.
The Prime Minister said the country today is with Enterprise and Wealth Creators giving opportunities to crores of youth. The Government is continuing efforts to build an efficient and friendly Ecosystem. He urged the industry to ensure that its benefits reach the last mile by bringing reforms within the industry like more inclusion of women and young talent, adopting the best practices of the world as soon as possible, corporate governance and profit sharing.
The Prime Minister said even during the pandemic, when the whole world is troubled for investment, record FDI and PFI have come to India as the world trusts the Indian economy now.
He lamented the poor investment in Research & Development by Indian Industry, comparing with America where 70% of the investment on R&D is from the private sector. He asked the Indian industry to increase their investments in R&D especially in sectors like agriculture, defense, space, energy, construction, pharma and transport sector. He further said in every sector, all the companies should earmark a certain amount for R&D.
The Prime Minister remarked that the world is moving rapidly towards the fourth industrial revolution, challenges will come in the form of new technology and many solutions will also come. He said today is the time to plan and act. He urged the business leaders to come together every year and connect every goal with one larger goal of Nation Building.
The Prime Minister remarked that there was never so much positivity in the world about India’s success before. He owed this positivity to the unprecedented confidence of over 130 crore Indians. Now India is making new avenues to move forward, moving ahead with new energy. He said the reforms in the country have influenced in changing the sentiment of the industry from ‘Why India’ to ‘Why not India’ in investing.
The Prime Minister remarked that New India, by relying on its strength, relying on its own resources, is pushing forward for AtmaNirbhar Bharat and special focus is on manufacturing to achieve this goal. He said reforms are continuously being undertaken to promote manufacturing in India.
The Prime Minister said today, as we are moving forward on the mission mode to make local a global one, we have to react quickly to every Geopolitical Development. He stressed on the need to have an effective mechanism for how India will meet any sudden demand in the global supply chain.
He urged Members of Assocham to provide a global platform for showcasing the products of rural artisans. He said this would help in bridging the rural urban divide. He stressed the need for the Government of India to work together with State Governments, Farm Organizations and industry associations for better promotion of our organic farm products, better infrastructure and better market. This would help our entire rural economy reach a new high.
The Prime Minister said the Government can provide the necessary facilities, create the right environment, give incentives and change policies. But it is the industry partners, who can convert this support into success. He said for the dream of a self-reliant India, the country has made up its mind for the necessary changes in the rules and regulations, the country is committed.