Tuesday, January 09, 2007: A representation of 1500 members of the NRI and PIO community at the fifth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas welcomed the recent initiatives taken by the Indian Government. Organized by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, the Delhi Government and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event has facilitated a forum for an exchange of views amongst participants and the state and helped define key areas of concern.

Infrastructure has ranked high in discussions, with the mutual outcome that development in this sector is imperative. Agriculture has also caught the attention of the delegates, and as Metdist Group MD Apurv Bagri averred, active involvement in the rural sector would ensure equal prosperity.

The mood at the conclave is bordering on euphoria over the changing face of the Indian economy. Delegates are confident about the growth prospects, and appreciative of the government’s efforts to create the right investment climate. Implementation of ideas now is a major challenge, says Bagri. Distance and experience of the NRIs would bring clarity in tackling issues, adds management guru C K. Prahlad. He also suggested a citation for world-class talent in India, to promote excellence, on the lines of the Mc Arthur Genius awards in the US.

Other economic and policy issues to be dealt with in this forum would be liberalisation of the financial services sector and strengthening of supply chain management.

Ganesh Chand, of Fiji University called for more bonding with the parent country through more such NRI events.