Modi pledges to make India a global manufacturing hub
India is to be transformed to a global manufacturing hub providing jobs for young men and women under the age of 35 who constitute 65 per cent of the country’s population and improve the purchasing power of the people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this disclosure when he launched the ‘Make in India’ initiative pledging to make it easier for companies to do business in his country.
Businessmen watching PM Narendra Modi’s speech. Pic by M.A.Pushpakumara
The inauguration ceremony was held in Vigyan Bhawan Conference hall in New Delhi and watched live in several countries including Sri Lanka via video conferencing.
A large gathering of Sri Lankan business leaders, senior officials, journalists and Indian nationals in Sri Lanka attended the event organised by the Indian High Commission at Taj Samudra Hotel.
Indian High Commissioner Y.K. Sinha, Deputy High Commissioner Arindam Bagchi and First Secretary Economic and Commerce Kartik Pande graced the occasion.
Emphasising the importance of attracting foreign investment, Mr. Modi said “FDI” should be viewed as “First Develop India” along with “Foreign Direct Investment.”
He called on investors to consider India as an opportunity without looking at it as a mere market.
Mr. Modi said that India is the only country in the world which offers the unique combination of democracy, demography, and demand.
The new Indian Government was taking initiatives for skill development to’ Digital India’ mission, would ensure that Government processes remained in line with corporate processes
The Government will also act as a facilitator towards improving economic growth cutting bureaucratic red tape and developing infrastructure with the involvement of the people as they also have a responsibility for the country, he added.
He called upon all Indian industrialists and businessmen not to leave the country as the government will create a conducive environment for them making far reaching reforms.
The Indian Prime Minister said “everyone should trust each other “and he wants to make this happen in the journey towards achieving ‘Make in India’.
At the event several leading industrialists and executives, who attended the event also made short speeches. The Prime Minister also unveiled the ‘Make in India’ logo, and launched the website- makeinindia.com.