16th PBD Pre Conference-2: Targeting US$ 5 Trillion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Economy by boosting MSMEs
A Dialogue with Diaspora Business Leaders & CEOs 10 December 2020
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India organized a second pre-conference on 10th December 2020 in the run up to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2021 which was conducted virtually for the first time due to COVID-19 pandemic. The second meeting focused on enhancing the economic engagement of the Diaspora with India. It comprised a dialogue with Diaspora business leaders and CEOs on the theme "Targeting US$ 5 Trillion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Economy by boosting MSMEs." The conference was ably co-chaired by the Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, and Hon'ble Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. The dialogue brought together prominent Diaspora business leaders and CEOs of MSME companies, and some large ones, across sectors from around the world to discuss the current and future opportunities to boost Indian economy. The dialogue is sought to provide suggestions on Policy / Functional Changes that can shape Tangible Pathways for Atma-Nirbhar Bharat to deliver achievable outcomes on the path towards a US$ 5 Trillion economy. It was also an ideation platform to consider opportunities of economic and knowledge investment by the Diaspora post COVID-19, and as India gears up to assume a new role in the context of the world turning away from China. The conference also deliberated on the optimal pathways for creating opportunities in India with a view to expanding manufacturing especially with technology-led innovation start-ups, creating the next level in services potential, skilling and placing human capital overseas, trade (inbound and outbound) and financial investment. Its outcome will be included in the final recommendations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021. The event was live streamed on MEA social media platforms, and was watched by thousands of Indian Diaspora community members globally.