Place : Beijing, China Speech Date : 9-11-2011
- India and China are young nations, old civilizations.
- It is these 2 countries pulling out the world from recession.
- Gujarat is 5% of India’s population but 16% industrial output and 22% exports.
- Also put great emphasis on cultural exchanges.
- China is India’s biggest trade partner and this exchange will only increase in future.
Speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi in the meeting with His Excellency Mr. Wang Gang Member of CPC Politburo at Great Hall of the China, Beijing on November 9, 2011 (afternoon)
Your Excellency Mr. Wang Gang,
His Excellency Dr. Jaishankar,
Other senior officials of CPC,
Ladies and gentlemen !
I am delighted to be here with you. It is always a great pleasure to come to China. I thank the CPC for extending the invitation to me and my esteemed colleagues to visit this great country. This is my third visit to China. Over the years, I have witnessed the expanding ties between the two great countries. I thank the people of China and CPC for their warmth, hospitality and excellent arrangements.
India and China, two young Asian nations, are home of 2.5 billion of world’s humanity. Both are very ancient civilizations. Our history is full of experiences of statesmen, scholars, historians, monks, pilgrims, traders and travellers of each country who visited the other country. The exchanges of great ideas by these men and women during their visits have not only enriched our societies but have benefited the whole mankind. These exchanges have been a source of strength to our relations. Therefore, it is very befitting that the year of 2011 has been declared as the ‘Year of India – China Exchange’.
Presently, both countries are pulling up the world economy from recession. We both are engaged in the task of socio–economic transformation and betterment of our people’s lives. The People’s Republic of China has shown to the world as to how building process of a country can be fast tracked.
In the same manner, today, India is also on the path of faster inclusive growth with a model of sustainable development. We have a lot to learn from each other’s experience. We have got mutual stake in each other’s development, well being and prosperity. India and China, have a lot to give to the world.
Within India, Gujarat represents a model of faster, modernised and organised growth. It is considered the Growth Engine of India – something like ‘Guangdong’ of China. Gujarat’s population of 60 million constitutes only 5% of India’s population. But it contributes to 16% of India’s industrial output and 22% of its exports. With 1,650 Kilo meter of coastline, we have 42 minor ports and 3 major ports. Our ports handle about 40% of the total cargo of India.
Your Excellency! for the last one decade, Gujarat is witnessing double digit growth. The State is recognised as the ‘prime manufacturing hub of India’. People of Gujarat are peace loving, friendly, industrious and business–minded. They travel all over the world and bring home the recent advances in different fields. With our open mind, we always welcome people from other parts of the world. Our State provides a highly conducive environment for foreign professions and investments. With this strength, we are aiming at becoming a Global Hub of economic activities.
Already, we have a good flow of foreign investments. Almost every day, some major company is coming to Gujarat. In recent years, some Chinese companies have also come to Gujarat. Just three days back, an MOU was signed with TBEA to develop a Green Energy Park in Gujaratwith an investment of 400 million US Dollars. Gujarat provides excellent opportunity for doing business. It has got the best physical, industrial and social infrastructure in India. This includes 24x7 power supply. The best thing is that there is no labour problem in the State. In the last few years, Gujarat has emerged as a ‘knowledge hub’ with opening of a number of foreign and domestic universities and institutions.
I have seen lot of interest among Chinese companies to work in Gujarat. We wholeheartedly welcome them. My visit is to re-enforce that process. At the same time, I feel that to give a big boost to the economic interaction, we must emphasize on cultural exchange. We are already doing the same. However, from Gujarat’s perspective, I am keen to start a Mandarin language school. We also have a number of Buddhist places which can be the driver of cultural exchange. You may be happy to know that Gujarat has emerged a great tourist destination.
Your Excellency! a very high profile delegation is here with me. It comprises of key government officials and the trade and industry leaders of India. We would be happy to have an opportunity to interact with the Chinese people and firms. China is already India’s biggest trade partner. I am sure that this exchange will further accelerate this trend.
Once again, I thank the CPC for inviting us to visit China. During our visit, I look forward to fruitful discussions here and also at in Shanghai and Chengdu. The cooperation between India and China is the key for Asian century, which is unfolding. I’m sure that this visit will help us in enhancing the cooperation between the two great countries.
Thank You…
--------------Your Excellency! While I was planning my trip to China, some people of my State gave a representation. It pertains to 22 Indian nationals languishing in Chinese jail since 2010. They belong to Gujarat and their families have requested me to take up their case for their early release. I have been given to understand that their trial has been completed in April, 2011 but the judgement is still awaited. Due to prolonged detention, people in Gujarat are concerned.
You may like to recall that earlier this year, India responded positively in case of some Chinese nationals caught while illegally entering into India. People back in India are expecting similar reciprocity. Your Excellency ! we have to keep in view the human aspect of the whole episode. May I request you to kindly take up this issue with the concerned authorities for early resolution of the matter? This will go a long way in creating more favourable atmosphere for China in India.
