Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the seventh Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar today. He began his speech by expressing his solidarity with the people of France, where a satirical paper, Charlie Hebdo was attacked by gunmen. He said this summit is not just a meet of hands and ideas but of heart and aspirations adding that India has always believed that the whole World is one family.
The Prime Minister said fluctuations in global economy is biggest concern and there is a need to find ways for its stability and recovery. Mr. Modi called for joint efforts to find ways for recovery and stability of the global economy. Wooing global investors, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to make India the easiest destination to do business with a stable tax regime and a predictable, transparent and fair policy environment. Pushing the manufacturing to boost economic growth and create jobs, Mr. Modi said a single window clearance for projects is being set up at both central and state level.
Stating that the atmosphere of despair and uncertainty has gone away within a very short span of seven months, he said, since day one, his government is actively working to revive the economy. Mr. Modi said the NDA government is committed to creating a policy environment that is predictable, transparent and fair.
Addressing the summit, United Nations General Secretary said, he sincerely hope, all world and business leaders and people will be inspired by Gandhiji’s visions and teachings. Mr. Moon commended Narendra Modi's smart cities initiative and vision of use of renewable energy efficiency. He said the summit is not only to build industrial strength but sustainable inclusive solutions.
US State Secretary John Kerry told the delegates that Barack Obama will be the first sitting US president to be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day Celebrations. He said that Narendra Modi has made Gujarat a name synonymous with change and possibilities. He added that India and US stand together and make it clear that no act of terror shall stop the march of freedom. He also said if both countries work together, they can help to forge a new era of shared prosperity and security. He added that US share the Mr. Modi's goal to increase trade five times with India.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said we are the first human generation which can eliminate extreme poverty and India should be the leader in eliminating poverty. Stating that he is looking forward to a Vibrant India along with Vibrant Gujarat, Mr. Kim said India's economy is expected to grow at 6.4 per cent this year. Mr. Kim added that tax and subsidy reforms essential for inclusive growth in India. India has potential to be a leader in solar energy production, and the solar sector could be India's key contribution towards fighting climate change. The World Bank President said after slowing to sub-five percent growth in the previous two financial years, the economy has started showing signs of pick-up as it expanded by 5.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent in the second and third quarter of 2015.
The World Bank President said Prime Minister Modi and his government have been quickly putting in place the building blocks for even more rapid growth, streamlining national regulatory structure and promoting social inclusion. Jim said he was very encouraged by the recent proposal of a Constitution amendment bill for Goods and Services Tax. He said the World Bank had a deep interest in promoting policies and supporting projects that maximise sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Earlier Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel welcomed all head of states dignitaries, diplomats and delegates to the 7th Edition of Vibrant Gujarat summit. She said all of us will mutually benefit by the interactions in the coming two days.
Apart from Ban Ki-Moon, Jim Yong Kim and John Kerry, several ministers from Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada and over 50 CEOs of top Indian as well as international companies are participating the summit that will conclude on January 13. Eight countries, including the US, Canada and Japan have for the first time become partner nations for the summit.
The business event is expected to bring in record investments to Gujarat and the state government expects to sign over 20,000 Expression of Interest during the summit.
