Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 19, 2020, delivered the keynote address at ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020, via video conferencing. The Prime Minister also 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. He 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.
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 gave a call for the industry to increase the domestic investment drastically in line with the increased confidence of the world, according to a PIB release.
The PM lamented the poor investment in Research & Development by Indian Industry as compared 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, defence, 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 PM 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. He said the coming 27 years, when free India will reach its century, will not only determine India’s global role, but it will test both the dreams and dedication of Indians.
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. He said 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.
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 said the need of the hour is to achieve better synergy between industry organisations such ASSOCHAM with the Ministry of External Affairs, Commerce & Trade to achieve the goal.
The Prime Minister said India is also capable of helping the world while meeting its needs. Even during the period of Corona, India has taken the responsibility of Pharmacy of the world and delivered essential medicine around the world. Now even in the case of vaccine, India will fulfil its needs and also meet the expectations of many countries. 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 Organisations and industry associations for better promotion of our organic farm products, better infrastructure and better market.