The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has strongly pitched for reforms in the financial sector to make India a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Addressing a World Economic Forum meeting in New Delhi today, Dr Singh called for gradual and steady reforms in finance sector. Giving the roadmap for the reforms, he said government is trying to evolve a political consensus for bringing legislative changes in insurance sector to put an end to institutional hurdles.<br/>Welcoming portfolio investment, Dr Singh said India has attracted over 120 billion US dollars as foreign direct investment since 2001, but this is not large enough, given the scale of Indian economy.<br/>Giving hints of appropriate action next year to wind up fiscal stimulus, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the country will register a 7 percent growth in the next fiscal. In this background thrust is on increasing internal demand. The Prime Minister noted that there is an ambitious investment plan for the development of infrastructure sector. He said while some projects will be funded directly by the government, public-private partnership route will be largely followed.<br/>Stressing on fast and inclusive growth for the economy, Dr. Singh said investment in social sectors like health, education and skill development will be increased as well. In this background the government has decided to off load ten percent equity in selected public sector enterprises and the process of disinvestment is being expedited.<br/>Several Union Ministers, financial experts and other stakeholders from abroad are participating in the three-day meet. <br/><br/>Worried over the rise in terror incidents in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Dr. Singh today asked the global community to extend sustained cooperation for dealing with the menace for ensuring stability in the region. Replying to queries after inaugurating India Economic Summit, Dr. Singh said that New Delhi has vital stake in peace, progress and stability of these countries and other countries of South Asia. He said India has been a victim of terrorism, unfortunately emanating from across our border for the last 25 years, but the world discovered it as a global problem only after 9/11.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent adds that<br/>off late India has been expressing its grave concern over the sharp rise in deadly terror attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.The US agency FBI has recently uncovered a plot when it nabbed David Coleman Headley, hired by the Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba to carry out attacks in India.