Experts and policy makers convened today in Mumbai for a conference on the changing global economy and India’s role in it.
The conference, co-organised by Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is the 3rd edition of the Gateway of India Geoeconomic Dialogue. This year’s theme is “Designing India’s Global Economic Engagement.”
“I have seen the Gateway of India Dialogue grow in a manner where it is contributing to India’s geoeconomic agenda,” said Gen. (Dr.) V.K.Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, in his Keynote Address to the gathering in Mumbai. “As is demonstrated by India, an emphasis on quality, a rule-based transparent business regime, better connectivity and dialogue leads to the benefit of the whole world economy. I will be eagerly looking at timeline-based outcomes from this conference.”
"Despite challenges of protectionism, annual GDP growth of 7-7.5% augurs well for India. A strong manufacturing sector, an open, digitised economy, and improved connectivity will lead to greater confidence," continued Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh. "For example, large ports are being developed as part of the Sagarmala project, enhancing coastal trade. Similarly, land connectivity is improving with the Bharatmala project. GST will real benefits in enhacing trade and economic activity, and in simplifying provision of services. UDAAN - Ude Desk Ka Aam Nagrik - is boosting regional air connectivity, and the Chahabar port is improving connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia."
“As India emerges as the fastest growing large economy in the world, Gateway House has emerged as one of the top think tanks in India, bringing together and working with the top thinkers of the world,” said Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, and newly appointed Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in a video message to the audience. “The Government of India is actively looking to work with all stakeholders, including think tanks. I offer my best wishes and hope we get an opportunity soon to use this platform and propagate the good work happening in India.”
In a day-long working session tomorrow, participants will explore India’s relations with China, the growing importance of services in global trade, the role of the G20 in global economic affairs, regulation of digital technology, and heightened competition between nations over ocean resources.
“Estonia currently has about 1,000 ‘e-residents’ of Indian nationality, and as India makes progress in establishing a digital society, we are eager to engage more with India,” said Urve Palo, Hon’ble Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia, in her opening remarks at the conference. “With a unique ID for all citizens over the age of fifteen, 99% of state services rendered online and a blockchain-based national secure cyberspace, e-Estonia is the future of e-government.”
“Gateway House is delighted to have Hon’ble Minister Urve Palo and Gen. (Dr.) V.K.Singh at our conference to talk about the issues that capture that everybody’s minds - the digital economy and the reforming economy,” said Manjeet Kripalani, Executive Director and co-founder, Gateway House, in her opening remarks at the conference. “The proceedingstomorrow will flesh out their thoughts and ideas even more substantially.”