The Consulate General of India, New York in association with the India America Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon reception in honor of Hon’ble Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Mr. Kamal Nath, on September 15, 2009.

Amb. Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York, in his welcome address stated that Mr. Nath has been a Member of Parliament unintertuptedly since 1980 and had held important portfolios like Environment, Textile, Commerce and Industry and now Road Transport. Amb. Dayal welcomed the members of the Confederation of Indian Industry and other members of the Government of India present on this occasion.

Mr. Rajiv Khanna, President of the India-America Chamber of Commerce highlighted the enthusiasm brought about by the Hon. Minister in the road sector.

Mr. Kamal Nath in his address mentioned that India did not have toxicity in its system as experienced by some countries in the West. India is still supported by strong fundamentals driven by domestic demand. Growth has been steady and expected to rise steadily in coming years.

Mr. Nath stressed that India’s biggest challenge was managing and strategizing growth aimed at inclusiveness, development and wealth creation. He noted that India’s last decade was known for its growth in Information Technology and the coming decade would be known for Infrastructure Development. Infrastructure would reach the most backward areas to generate rapid sustainable economic activity.  The Ministry ofTransport had drawn up plans to build 7000 kms of roads every year, a 10 fold growth from previous years. The target was to build 20 kms of road everyday against the previous rate of 2 kms per day. Mr. Nath reiterated India’s demonstrated investment credibility and assured that its continued growth trajectory would be sustained. 

Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman of Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd., representing of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), spoke of the exciting opportunities that India provided to investors.

In a lively question and answer session, Mr. Kamal Nath addressed the concerns and queries of the audience and the media.

September 15, 2009
New York