India has emerged as a trusted partner in global geopolitics, says Mr. Prabhu

“COVID-19 crisis has shattered the foundation of human being’s thinking. The crisis has weakened the position of advanced economies such as USA, EU and UK. India has emerged as a trusted partner in the global geopolitics. Central banks across the world are pumping record amount of liquidity to stimulate their economies. The global financial market is flushed with surplus liquidity and India seems to be the logical destination for this liquidity. India stands to benefit from the potential shift in global value chain after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Member of Rajya Sabha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Sherpa to G20 and G7.

He said this while addressing a webinar on ‘Navigating Trade and Industry in COVID-19 Crisis’ organized by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.

“I expect India to be the global manufacturing hub for medical devices, engineering, electronics, automotive, pharmaceuticals and other manufacturing sectors. India will also be a major hub for medical tourism,” Mr. Prabhu added.

Mr. Prabhu also remarked that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are going to be the backbone of the future industrial development of India. MSMEs play an important role in India’s exports, employment and GDP growth. Large companies depend on MSMEs for sourcing components and services.

Speaking on India’s aspiration to increase the size of its economy, Mr. Prabhu said, “India aspires to be USD five trillion economy, of which 20 per cent will be contributed by manufacturing sector. In order to achieve this, the next phase of economic growth will come from more than 700 districts in the country. The government has identified six districts, viz. Varanasi, Solan, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Muzaffarpur and Vishakapatnam across five states for accelerating their economic growth by 2-3%.

Therefore, India’s growth story will not only emanate from the macro level but also at district level. Consultative approach is important for government policy making which is being adopted through district-led growth.

Speaking about India’s position in global negotiation on trade issues, Mr. Prabhu said India will have to strategise in order to promote its national interest and then its global interests.

In conclusion, Mr. Prabhu said that contract manufacturing is an effective way of becoming competitive in the global market.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries said, “Post-Covid-19, it is important to revitalise trade and industry. India is now positioned to be the next best choice after China for multinational companies to set up their manufacturing units. The government and banks must come together to work out a stimulus package for MSMEs to overcome the pandemic crisis. Specifically, the stimulus package should benefit companies with less than Rs. 5,000 crore turnover.”

Speaking about policy reforms, Mr. Kalantri pointed out, “The government should reform regressive tax laws and other punitive regulations and improve ease of doing business.”

Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries proposed the Vote of Thanks.