Vibrant Gujarat Summit: Government committed to improve India's economic and social condition, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit, a flagship programme of Gujarat government on Sunday said that his government is committed to changing and improving economic, social condition of India. The biggest concern across the world is about the global economy and  we all have to find ways for economic stability and recovery.

Stating that our dreams can become the seeds of growth, Modi said, "India is changing and growing fast and moving faster than expected and we should work together for progress, prosperity and peace." 

Addressing global leaders, Modi said, "India offers you 3Ds – Democracy, Demography and Demand and this is what you are looking for. You will not find all of them (3D's) together at any other destination of world.  We have a large number of hands to work and even a larger number of dreams to be realised."

The Prime Minister further added, "This event is perhaps the biggest gathering on earth where a budding entrepreneur has opportunity to see President of the World Bank. We are here as a family, not only in terms of space, but because we recognise that someone’s dream is dependent on someone’s direction. All of us want the planet earth to become a better place to live not only in terms of space, but also because we recognise someone’s dream."

Also read: Reliance to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in Gujarat in 12 to 18 months, says Mukesh Ambani

The Prime Minister further added, "There is tremendous interest in India. Countries are coming forward to work with us and India also wants to work with global leadership on issues ranging from poverty to ecology. In short span of  seven months we have been able to change the atmosphere of despair and uncertainty; we are working to revive the economy. The government is committed to creating a policy environment that is predictable, transparent and fair."

Also read: No act of terror will stop march of freedom; Obama 'excited' to be at Republic Day celebrations, says John Kerry

Promising to make it easier to do business in India, Modi added, "Today, the biggest concern is about the global economy and the government is trying to generate confidence. We will have to change the way we have been approaching problems. Recession is often seen just in the context of business and industry. Have we ever thought of recession as being the result of low per capita income in countries where a majority of global population lives. The best outcome of this event should be inclusiveness and involvement of communities needing care and development."

The Prime Minister added, "Since the first day my government is actively working to revive the economy. We reconstituted planning commission as Niti Ayog as we want to promote cooperative federalism in country. At the same time, we want a competitive element among the states.I call this new form of federalism Co-operative and Competitive Federalism."

Apart from United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry, several ministers from Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada and over 50 CEOs of top Indian as well as international companies participated in the summit. Eight countries, including the US, Canada and Japan have for the first time become partner nations for the summit.

12:30 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

US Secretary of State John Kerry praises Narendra Modi

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State John Kerry said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already made the name Gujarat synonymous with possibilities, opportunities." 

He further added, "Barack Obama is very excited he will be the first US President at Republic Day celebrations. The moment has never been more right to tap the incredible possibilities between our two shared countries, he added."

Referring to recent attack in France he said, "We stand together in freedom and make it clear that no act of terror will ever stop the march of freedom. If we work together, I am convinced world’s oldest and largest democracy can help to forge a new era of shared prosperity and security. We can do more together and we must do more together. "

"India and US have a common responsibility, common opportunity to prove that democracy can deliver to their citizens," Kerry added.

Applauding Narendra Modi's slogan 'Sabka Saath - Sabka Vikas', Kerry said, "I am highly  impressed by Prime Minister Modi's slogan - 'Participation of all, Development of all'. It sounds like a pretty good slogan for all of us to adopt. And if we adopt it, I think we can get the job done"

12:26 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

I hope all world leaders and ppl will be inspired by Gandhi ji’s visions 

Addressing the summit, United Nations General Secretary said, "I sincerely hope, all world and business leaders and ppl will be inspired by Gandhi ji’s visions and  teachings. I commend PM Narendra Modi's smart cities initiative and vision of use of renewable energy efficiency. You are here to not only build industrial strength but sustainable inclusive solutions." 

He further added, "Let us work together for a better and sustainable world where nobody will be left behind."

11:11 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

India can be leader in eradicating poverty, says World Bank President Jim Yong Kim

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, he added. "India's economy is expected to grow at 6.6% this year. 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." he added.

11:00 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla addresses summit

Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision of elevating India's position in the world, Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla added, "Until now, investments in Gujarat exceed Rs 25,000 crore. Aditya Birla Group to invest Rs 20,000 crore in expansion of cement and other plants in Gujarat."

10:45 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

Osamu Suzuki, CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation speaks at the event 

Osamu Suzuki said, " We have achieved production capacity of 1.2 million vehicles in India I see India becoming consolidated into one economic identity under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi. 

10:39 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

CMD of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani to invest 100,000 crore in Gujarat

Mukesh Ambani, CMD of Reliance Industries said, " Each Vibrant Gujarat Summit has been bigger success than previous one, I have been fortunate enough to attend each one of them. We are proud to be a Gujarati company,we have invested in Gujarat time and again to convert a business vision into reality."

He further added, "India can become the world's fastest growing economy. Reliance will invest Rs 100,000 crore in Gujarat: Ambani."

More pictures from #VibrantGujarat2015 opening ceremony. pic.twitter.com/GtcV17uZ1I

— Vibrant Gujarat 2015 (@vibrantgujarat) January 11, 2015

10:34 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel welcomes all the Head of States, dignitaries, diplomats & delegates to the 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat – The Global Business Hub!.

Speaking at the event she said, " I am extremely happy for the great response we have received for this summit, I extend a very warm welcome to all."

10:20 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the venue. 

PM Narendra Modi at Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/SyOYnE2xoL

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 11, 2015

9:55 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

The stage is set at Mahatma Mandir for 7th #VibrantGujarat2015. @UN SG to attend shortly pic.twitter.com/c6Godfn6CT Photo: @vibrantgujarat

— United Nations India (@UNinIndia) January 11, 2015

9:21 IST Sunday, 11 January 2015

Ban Ki-moon examines some of Gandhi's original writings during a visit to his Ashram 

#UNSG Ban Ki-moon examines some of Gandhi's original writings during a visit to his Ashram @UNICDELHI @UNinIndia pic.twitter.com/fGhc3gQXwn

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) January 11, 2015

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Visited Sabarmati Ashram

#UNSG Ban Ki-moon visits Gandhi's Ashram in Gujarat @UNICDELHI @UNinIndia pic.twitter.com/ei071JHtBo

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) January 11, 2015

10:20 IST Saturday, 10 January 2015

I'm deeply moved; Like many, I have admired Mahatma Gandhi #UNSG at @SabarmatiAshram @UNinIndia @GandhiPortal #UN70 pic.twitter.com/y0evBb2mSZ

— UNIC New Delhi (@UNICDELHI) January 11, 2015

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon arrives for Vibrant Gujarat Summit

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon today arrived at Ahmedabad city airport ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit which kicks off tomorrow. Gujarat government spokesperson and the state minister Saurabh Patel said that Ban was also likely to visit Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad and few other places in the state.

Just landed in #Ahmedabad. Thx to @USAmbIndia who has had busy 1st month on job w/mtgs this wk & upcoming POTUS visit pic.twitter.com/N5Ck4jAS6s

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) January 11, 2015

Ban Ki-Moon will inaugurate Gujarat's first 10 MW solar power plant on Narmada river canal.

The summit will have various country-wise seminars for promotion of business ties with different nations, as well as sector-wise seminars. It will also facilitate business to business meetings.

The biennial event had been launched by Narendra Modi in 2003 during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, to attract investments into the state.