External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday invited Mauritius to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, encouraging the island nation to be part of India's growth story.
"In the short period that we have been in Government, the results have already started to show. The GDP growth is showing signs of recovery, bouncing back to record a growth rate of 5.7 percent for the April-June quarter, highest in the past two-and-half years. The interest in the economy has surged and the investment sentiment has improved," Swaraj said, while addressing a business meet with various industry and commerce groups of Mauritius.
"I would urge you all to take advantage of the new measures announced by our government. You must move quickly to seize the new opportunities unfolding in India, create a niche for yourselves, and become partner in India's growth story," she added.
Speaking of the projects which the Prime Minister Modi-led government have undertaken, Swaraj said that the ventures in question were an 'ambitious agenda' and the government was committed to creating a strong business environment.
"Our Government has embarked upon a very ambitious agenda for the development of India whether it be building 100 smart cities, modernization and revamping of railways, developing dedicated freight and industrial corridors, augmenting power generation, increasing investment in agricultural sector or cleaning the revered Ganga and other rivers," she said.
"We are firmly committed to improve business environment and provide speedy decision making. Our focus is growth with good governance and transparency with eye on manufacturing, infrastructure and trade. I understand that many among you were present at this very venue some weeks ago to witness live the launch of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign. This initiative has opened up enormous prospects for the global business community to take advantage of the resurgent Indian economy," Swaraj added.
Swaraj, who is in Mauritius for a three-day visit to that country, had earlier paid tribute to the friendship between India and Mauritius on Sunday, adding that the bond shared by the two countries was due to a shared historical and cultural heritage.
India is Mauritius' largest trading partner and has been the largest exporter of goods to Mauritius since 2007. In the financial year 2012-2013, India exported goods worth USD 1.31 billion and imported goods worth USD 28.49 million. There are over 10,000 Indian nationals living in Mauritius, including 6865 work permit holders and 696 professional occupation permit holders.
