India to emphasize on health, agri next decade: PM

 Human resource management is important as are education, health and information technology in the growth of a country, Singh told over 400 members of the Indian community here at a special reception last night.

 "We still have a knowledge gap, we have to ensure elementary school education to all," the Prime Minister said, adding the only way to move forward is to create more wealth to tackle problems of mass poverty.

 Referring to the direction and focus of the country, Singh felt that till 1991, Indian policies had been excessively oriented towards Europe and the US. "Now India is purposely actively engaged with South-East Asia. Our horizons are expanding to cover more countries of East Asia."

 "Our partners in South-East Asia and East Asia have accepted the reality of India's role in the world economy," Singh said, adding that India will be a part of the East Asia summit to take place in Malaysia later this year.

 The Prime Minister said many countries in the region were keen to see India as part of the grouping.

 Declaring that the next decade in India was going to be an exciting one which would see more emphasis on health, education and agriculture "so that all have a sense of belonging and participation," the Prime Minister said "I see an expanding role for India."