Industrialisation a must for development: Pranab

Kolkata, Sep 20 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said industrialisation was the need of the hour and every nation should be self-reliant on energy sector to accelerate the process.

Addressing the 121st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI) here, the Minister said no country could achieve its targeted growth without industrial progress and India was no exception.

" Industrialisation is a must for development and to enhance the process self-reliance on energy sector is urgently needed," Mr Mukherjee said.

He, however, made no remark regarding the ongoing Singur stalemate creating uncertainty over Tata's small car project in the state.

Mr Mukherjee said India could achieve 10 per cent GDP rate through adequate investments in social sectors and improving the infrastructure facilities.

Referring to the Indo-US nuclear deal, he said by 2050 the shortage of power in the country would reach to 8,00,000 MW and claimed that the treaty would mitigate the energy crisis to a great extent.

He also stressed on implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the overall economic development of the country.

" India can emerge as a super power by sustainable growth for the next 15 years and for this peaceful atmosphere is required not only in the country but also in neighbouring nations like Pakistan and China," Mr Mukherjee maintained.

UNI ADG KK DB1711