Cairo: Noting that India's economy has rebounded strongly after NDA came to power, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has invited the diaspora to invest in the country as she listed steps taken by the government to boost trade and make India a global manufacturing hub.
In an address to a select gathering of Indian community, she said a "unique transformation" is taking place in India in both economic and political fronts and that the Narendra Modi government was determined to take the country to "new heights".
Appealing the diaspora community to be part of the 'India growth story' she said, "We are committed to good governance, transparency, inclusive and sustainable growth and we as the government is ushering into an era of rapid eco development. There is a positive and upbeat business sentiment in our country."
The External Affairs Minister said the mood and the perception about India had changed because the Modi government has shown "will and determination" in the last 15 months to ensure rapid economic development.
"We have achieved great success in the field of foreign office as well. The greatness of India now has a stronger resonance and our circle of friends has grown," Swaraj said at the gathering last evening.
Calling the overseas Indian community an "inalienable" part of India's transformation, she appealed them to join hands with Indian government to take forward its developmental agenda.
Swaraj highlighted various initiatives of the government including the 'Make in India' programme to boost manufacturing with the help of world’s best technology.
"Welfare of our citizens outside India, particularly in this region is a top priority of our government. We have been proactively engaging with all the stakeholders to address the concerns of our overseas community," she said.
She expressed happiness over Egyptian authorities' decision to transfer back to India two prisoners who have served 22 and 16 years in Egyptian prison.
"They will now be able to return home soon," she said. Swaraj said the Gulf and the North Africa were crucial for India's energy security and complimented the diaspora community for their contribution in ensuring stronger ties between countries of the region and India.
Talking about the last general election, she said it has given a "huge mandate" to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and his government is now working tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Swaraj reached Cairo on Sunday on the first leg of her two-nation tour. She will leave for Germany on Tuesday.
Egypt has traditionally been one of India's most important trading partners in the African continent. Trade between India and Egypt during the last financial year (April 2014 - March 2015) has been recorded at USD 4.76 billion. Most importantly, India is the sixth largest trading partner of Egypt - the second largest export destination. India's imports from Egypt were worth USD 1.74 billion during 2014-15.
Indian businessmen have invested nearly USD 3 billion in about 50 companies in Egypt and have given employment opportunities to around 35,000 Egyptians. "You represent the entire spectrum of the vibrant diversity of India and come from different parts of India. I am happy that you have kept your traditions alive and celebrate Holi, Diwali, Dushera and Eid with an equal fervor. Your achievement makes all of us proud," Swaraj said.
