Inaugurating the All India Traders Convention in New Delhi, on the morning of 27th February, Shri Narendra Modi spoke of the significant contribution of the traders’ community in taking the Nation forward and reinforcing its image as a progressive economy on the global map.
“A state in India will have more traders than perhaps a European nation. Our forefathers covered the world as traders. Trade is a great way to integrate people,” said Shri Modi, even as he emphasized of the need to frame new laws so as to give the country and its economy a makeover. He further opined that the current day functioning of the Government - wherein the fashion of running the nation from Delhi - must stop, and stated that for an economy to prosper, trust between the states must be established, and their individual strengths be appreciated. “Sadly, for years, the government has believed that everyone is a thief. Sarkar ho ya samaaj ho, ek doosre pe bharosa hona chahiye,” said Shri Modi.
Appreciating their strength to take risks, Shri Modi further encouraged them to face the challenges posed by the competition from multinationals and corporate brands. “We don't have to be scared of the global challenges in trade. Let us take them as opportunities. If they go 10 steps ahead let’s go 15. Bhaagne ka plan na kare, bhidne ka plan kare,” asserted Shri Modi, even as he called for the need to adapt technological variations in ensuring the effective trading of goods and services. Citing the example of how any person, today, would prefer buying a book online than going to the store, Shri Modi urged the trading community to adapt their practices to the various forms of technology, and thereby give a boost to online trading and ensure good delivery systems.
Aspects of reinforcing the average buyer’s trust by providing quality goods and services, and improving the buying power of the common man by improving the Nation’s economic conditions, were also duly emphasized in Shri Modi’s address. “Small trader will earn more when the purchasing power of the common people will increase,” stated Shri Modi.
Citing the trading community as the backbone of the financial prowess of any economy, Shri Modi stated that the current-day External Affairs Ministry needed to be more proactive and focus on aspects of trade diplomacy and commerce diplomacy.
Acknowledging the strong contribution of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi - who had also graced the occasion and shared his thoughts – Shri Modi said that Shri Joshi was the chairperson of the BJP’s Manifesto Committee and his contribution in the various discussions on economic and other issues was very vital.
The Convention, which organized by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), also witnessed the presence of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, who, in his speech, described Shri Narendra Modi as the future PM of India and called for the need to frame policies that encouraged trade, commerce, manufacturing and agriculture, so as to script the Nation’s growth.