President Pranab Mukherjee today asked the exporters of engineering products to focus on quality, diversification and exploring new markets. Addressing diamond jubilee function of Engineering Exports Promotion Council, EEPC, in New Delhi, Mr Mukerjee said, the crossing of 70 billion dollar mark of engineering exports is a testimony to the success of the council. He said while the total merchandise export grew 2.71 times in the ten year period from 2004-05 to 2014-15, the engineering exports saw an impressive growth of 3.65 times in the same period. <br/><br/>Presenting India as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy global economic scenario, President Mukherjee said with moderating inflation, strong currency reserves, lower current and fiscal deficit and stable Tax policy, the prospects of Indian economy appear bright. He emphasised on massive investments in infrastructure and human resources capital of India will be required to sustain a high growth rate. Outlining his vision for the next 10 years, the President exuded confidence that manufacturing sector has the potential to create 90 million jobs over the next ten years. During this period, the share of manufacturing sector could improve to 25 per cent of GDP from the present 18 per cent of GDP. <br/><br/>Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the EEPC is the backbone of India's trade and largest foreign exchange earner and now it is spreading its reach to Africa and ASEAN region. Ms Sitharaman said, there is a need for India to move from a low value exporter to a high value one. She said, India is on recovery path and the government is committed to remove bottlenecks coming in the path of development. Speaking on the occasion, Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked the industry to play more proactive role in present India which wants growth.

President Pranab Mukherjee today asked the exporters of engineering products to focus on quality, diversification and exploring new markets. Addressing diamond jubilee function of Engineering Exports Promotion Council, EEPC, in New Delhi, Mr Mukerjee said, the crossing of 70 billion dollar mark of engineering exports is a testimony to the success of the council. <br/><br/>He said, the EEPC has shouldered the responsibility of enhancing country's exports during the last 60 years. The President said, the EEPC which began its journey with 40 exporters in 1955 has now 13 thousand members, 60 per cent of which are from Medium and Small scale sectors. He said, the council has now elevated from exporting low end products to high value one. <br/><br/>Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the EEPC is the backbone of India's trade and largest foreign exchange earner and now it is spreading its reach to Africa and ASEAN region. She said, India is on recovery path and the government is committed to remove bottlenecks coming in the path of development. <br/>Speaking on the occasion, Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked the industry to play more proactive role in present India which wants growth.