Gujarat emerging as a pace-setter for good governance:FICCI

Ahmedabad, Jan 11 (UNI) Gujarat is emerging as a pace-setter on how good governance should take place in the country, President of FICCI, Mr Habil Khorakiwala today said.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 'Gujarat Discovered' exhibition here, he said for a state to be successful, there has to be transparent rules and laws with a focused approach. All these are present in Gujarat, he said.

He was among the dignitaries present alongwith Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremony.

The process of development has to be inclusive and holistic.

Gujarat's growth rate has been over 10 per cent and this high growth is being sustained through leadership, transparency and an aggressive approach, he said.

Gujarat is in the forefront of industrial growth and service sector. Fortyfour per cent of the GDP growth is from the service sector, industry 37 per cent and agriculture 19 per cent, he said.

"FICCI is considering forming a team of 'research&analysts' for Gujarat to study the changes that have taken place in the state as there can not be a better state than Gujarat which is setting the pace of development,'' FICCI chief said.

He also praised Gujarat for doing a phenomenal job in water management. "Five to 10 years ago Gujarat was one of the states which had acute water problem and today it has been solved. Even in health sector it has become a model state through wholesome long-term development," Mr Khorakiwala said.

Any investor, who wants to expand his trade, should consider Gujarat an option. This exhibition will prove to be 'unique,' Mr Khorakiwala said.

Saying that FICCI and Gujarat have a close relationship, this is the third time that FICCI is partnering with the state government in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors meet having been associated with the event during 2003, 2005 and now in 2007.

The present exhibition was conceptualised by FICCI and the work had begun a year back, he said.

UNI