21st century to be Asia's century: Anand Sharma

New Delhi, Dec 17: Speaking at the 'Singapore Symposium', Minister of Commerce and Industries, Anand Sharma expressed confidence that the 21st century will be driven by the Asian forces such as India, China and the Southeast Asian countries.

In the event jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Institute of South Asian Studies (iSAS), the minister declared that India"s commitment with the ASEAN and East Asian countries will go beyond trade and investment and will be dynamic and multi-sectoral in the coming years.

The minister informed a Singapore delegation of more than 60 members on India-Singapore CECA's enhanced bilateral trade and investment.

Although the CEPA with South Korea and the FTA with ASEAN generated loud criticisms, the government is committed to enhance India"s engagement within Asia, the minister said.

With Asia leading more than half of the world economic growth, there are clear signs of a tectonic shift in the post-crisis world economic order, Mr Sharma added.

Further, speaking on the global economic infrastructure the minister reiterated his confidence on the developing economies of Asia, Africa and South America, which are increasingly demanding for a fair share of representation.

"In this century, Asia will write its own essay and will contribute in re-defining the global economic architecture that has become uninspiring and undemocratic," said Mr. Sharma.

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