Mr Abdulmohsen Medij Al – Medij, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry said, “ the horizon of cooperation for shared growth and development is big and varied and the opportunities of cooperation are many” in an interactive session on “Defining Shared New Realities” during the Partnership Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in cooperation with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Government of Rajasthan being held in Jaipur from January 15-17, 2014. According to the Minister that countries need to make serious and devoted efforts to strengthen economic relations to build economic partnership based on the principles of mutual interests and strong friendship.”
Responding to a question by Mr Victor Mallet, South Asia Bureau Chief, The Financial Times who moderated the session on how Africa views globalization and partnership, Michael C Bimha, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Zimbabwe said that “partnership and globalization are very important especially for Africa.” “History is testimony that in the past, Africa cried for aid, now Africa is asking for investment and trade. African countries now realize importance of economic growth. Economic growth can bring political stability. And high economic growth is possible through political stability, open and fair policies, and global partnership. Though different African countries are following different growth path, all are seeking collaboration and shared realities,” he further added.
Mr Francis Gurry, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Switzerland feels that shared realities are characterized by two recent and significant developments. He said, “First is innovation. Every company on earth is focusing on innovative products, services and processes. In this world of fierce competition, the world is at asymmetry of knowledge, funds, technology and power.” Intellectual Property rights are necessary but not sufficient. We need a rule-based-system. Second is the Global Digital Content Marketplace. There is seamless legal and illegal content in the Internet. All stakeholders should take accountability to manage it.”
Speaking on India’s perspective of share development and contribution of Indian IT industry, Mr Ajay S Shriram, President, CII said “In the last 12 years, India’s software industry grew worldwide to be the creator, leader in ensuring IT solutions. India’s culture and demography are important reasons for digitalization in India. Today, 65% of Indian population is below the age of 35. Over 425 million Indians are between the age group of 15-35. And the average age of the country is just 26 years.”
Giving details of critical developments on the issue of globalization, Dr. Richard N Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations, USA stated “Globalisation is not a choice, it’s a reality. It’s is a condition not a problem. Computer and human viruses, greenhouse gases, global trade, investment, currency, diseases are manifestation of globalization, thus, call for urgent attention.” Focusing on the critical issues, Dr. Haass apprehended that “There exists a substantial gap between challenges and willingness on ideological, political and economic fronts. Institutions are inadequate in infrastructure and capacity to deal with global developments like economic instability and terrorism. This is leading further developments of global institutions and regional functional forums. The world is adopting mainly two approaches. Firstly, like-minded actors are developing collective response mechanism. And second is the emergence of Multilateralism – sharing capabilities and competencies backed by governments’ commitments for common goals.”
In his address, Mr Dogan Altinbilek, Vice President, World Water Council shared his reasons for shared development. He said, “2.8 billion people worldwide are living in high water stress areas. 780 million do not have access to safe drinking water. The World Water Council (WWC) is tirelessly addressing the issue through its unique policy called Active Hydro-politics. It aims to make safe drinking water a basic human right by pushing the agenda at the UN, national government and local authorities.”
Concluding the session, the moderator Mr Victor Mallet said, “Each country is willing to become part of and a reason for global developments by making necessary internal policy reforms. This means that Rajasthan is competing with African countries to attract investment, trade and development.”
Jaipur
January 16, 2015