MPs' team visits NY, focuses on economic potential

New York, May 2 (UNI) A 10-member parliamentary delegation from India, currently on a visit to the US, met prospective American and NRI investors and briefed them on the nation's progress in various sectors over the past 10-15 years.

At a luncheon dicussion titled ''India's Changing Economic Scenario and Potential'' organised by the CII at the Consulate General of India, some members of the delegation made brief presentations.

Suresh Prabhu, a member of the Lok Sabha representing Shiv Sena from Maharashtra, highlighted the investment opportunities available in the western state. He noted that the situation on the power front was improving.

''Economic growth should be taken to double digits and public investment in sectors like irrigation and infrastructure as well as social sectors like education and health care should go up,'' the former central minister said.

Mr B J Panda, a Rajya Sabha member of the Biju Janata Dal from Orissa, said despite being home to about a third of India's minerals, the eastern state had lagged behind others till about 10 years ago.

''Now, the situation has changed. A 12 billion dollar steel plant built by a South Korean company, the single largest foreign investment in the country, is coming up,'' Mr Panda said. ''There won't be any reversal of the current economic policies as there exists a consensus in the country.'' Mr Manavendra Singh, Lok Sabha member of the BJP from Rajasthan, said Jodhpur is one of the principal tourist destinations in the country. He pointed out the significant exports of handicrafts and jewellry.

Mr Sachin Pilot, Congress MP from Rajasthan, urged the Indian-American community to work for the long-term objective of ''symbiotic relationship'' between the two countries.

He said that though the younger Members of Parliament have different viewpoints, they were united in their objectives on major national issues.

Mr Shahid Siddiqui, Rajya Sabha member the Samajwadi party, observed that information technology hubs were being established in cities like Varanasi and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Others in the delegation are Mr Deepender Singh Hooda, Ms Prema Cariappa, Mr Uday Singh, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, and Mr Madhu Goud Yaskhi.

The MPs' delegation will also visit Washington, where it is scheduled to meet among others, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and House Speaker Dennis Hastert. The talks might focus on the recently signed Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, which is pending before Congress for ratification. The delegation will also visit Atlanta before returning to India.

UNI XC SB AT KN1623