The Hindu Business Line : ‘India must move aggressively on infrastructure sectors’

Mr Sanjiv Goenka, Vice-Chairman, RPG Enterprises, welcoming Mr Ambross Siu-kwong Lee, Secretary for Security, Hong Kong, at the inaugural session of the AIMA-AAMO 34th National Management Convention in Kolkata on Thursday. Mr B. Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel, is also seen. —

Our Bureau

Kolkata, Sept. 6 The Vice-Chairman of RPG Enterprises, Mr Sanjiv Goenka, today said that India is the flavour of the world “and we must capitalise on this.”

He was speaking on ‘Managing New India’ at the inaugural session of the three-day 34th National Management Convention, jointly organised by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and Asian Association of Management Organisations (AAMO).

Describing the new India as international, global, efficient and competitive, and fast emerging as a leader, Mr Goenka said: “We need to move more aggressively on infrastructure sectors like power, roads, ports and airports, especially where there is a gap between demand and supply.”

The rapid growth of industry and improvement in income have created a greater self-confidence among people at all levels, particularly among managers and entrepreneurs.

“Interest rates continue to be high and in a globally competitive economy, each cost factor erodes margins.”

Speaking as guest of honour, Mr Ambrose Siu-kwong Lee, Secretary for Security, Hong Kong, said that the convention should help bring together Asia’s best business minds to share the management insights gained through vast experience.

Describing India’s GDP growth during 2006-07 of 9.4 per cent as the second fastest in the world, he said that “quality workforce” was a must if such growth rates are to be sustained.

Stressing on strategy and persistent efforts, he said that the quest for management excellence has helped Asia emerge on top.

Outlining the importance of human capital, he said that some 20 per cent of the total public expenditure in Hong Kong is on education. In 2006-07, the country attracted FDI of nearly $43 billion.

Urging Indian entrepreneurs to look at Hong Kong afresh, he said that the mainland China market was a huge one.