NEW DELHI. 11th Jan 2024
GANDHINAGAR. 11 January 2024: Addressing the Electric Vehicle Manufacturing: Charging Ahead to 2047, organised by FICCI on day 2 of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Mr Nitin Gadkari, noted the significant revenue contribution of the EV industry as a part of GST to the state and the central government. He highlighted India’s achievement under PM Modi’s leadership, surpassing Japan to become the third-largest automobile market, urging the auto industry to strive towards making India the top global automobile manufacturing hub. “Invest, otherwise you will miss the bus,” Gadkari urged, pointing out the over 500% growth in EV sales in 2023 over 2021 and projecting a 50% annual growth rate by 2030. He anticipates 1 crore annual sales and 5 crore employment by 2030, with a reduction in lithium-ion battery costs boosting the industry’s growth.
On occasion, Mr Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Transport, Government of Gujarat, emphasised the state’s policy-driven approach and significant role in deploying EVs in public transportation, offering substantial ROI on investments. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, highlighted the government’s role in creating an EV-friendly ecosystem since 2015, with hopes to commence production of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries by February 2024 under PM Modi’s guidance.
Mrs Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Chair, FICCI Electric Vehicle Committee and Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions envisions India as a global leader in the EV space by 2047, not just as a major market but also as a hub for technology, components, and manufacturing for the global industry.
Among other FICCI-led engagements at the global summit, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, addressed the session on ‘Building Workforces for Future: Development of Skills for Industry 4.0’, extolling Gujarat as a trailblazer, stating, “What Gujarat thinks today, the country thinks tomorrow.” He highlighted the critical support provided by advancements such as 5G and digital public infrastructure, which he referred to as “the great enabler.” Pradhan pointed out that India, for the first time, is capitalizing on the convergence of three pivotal factors: demography, demand, and decisive government action. This unique combination, he suggested, has ushered in ‘the Indian moment’ in the global industrial and innovation landscape, marking a significant leap towards embracing the fourth industrial revolution. Mr Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister of Labour, Skill Development and Employment, Government of Gujarat, alluded to transformative initiatives like the establishment of Mega ITIs, Gujarat State Skill Development Mission, and Kaushalya Skills University, all aimed at equipping the state’s youth with future-ready skills. Mr Kunvarji Halpati, MoS, Government of Gujarat, emphasised that the skilled workforce of Gujarat can attract international employers to the state. Mr Atul K Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, GoI, underlined that more than 340 qualifications have been developed by MSDE as per industry 4.0 requirements. Dr Anju Sharma, ACS, Department of Labour, Skill & Employment, Mr Banchha Nidhi Pani, Commissioner, Technical Education, Mr Anupam Anand, Commissioner, Labour, Government of Gujarat also spoke on occasion.
Union Minister Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, participated in the “Seminar on Port-led City Development”. Emphasising the significance of port-led industrialisation, the minister noted, “Port-led industrialisation optimises costs by strategically placing industries near ports, focusing on both port traffic and employment generation,” He highlighted the completion of 9 out of 14 identified projects worth Rs 45,800 crores under the Sagarmala programme and the development of 8000 acres of land at major ports for industrialisation to create 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
Sonowal also spoke about India’s transformative leap in sustainable energy, with Paradip, Deendayal, and Tuticorin ports evolving into hydrogen hubs as part of green initiatives. He proudly noted India’s improved international shipment ranking due to the double-digit annual growth at its ports. Mr Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, also addressed the seminar, underscoring Gujarat’s pivotal role as India’s business gateway and its contribution to the nation’s maritime success.
Among other engagements, a seminar ‘US-India Innovation Handshake’, delved into opportunities in manufacturing and global value chains. Mr Pranav Joshi, Director of Finance and Strategy, Tsecond Generation Technology, underscored the need for a streamlined regulatory framework. Mr Ashutosh Chaddha, Director & Country Head, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Microsoft, advocated for an ‘Innovation Corridor’ through collaboration and co-innovation, while Dev IT Ltd’s Mr Pranav Pandya discussed AI’s global impact and the significance of Programmatic Marketing. The seminar also highlighted the role of incubators and accelerators in aligning India’s startup ecosystem with the US model
Mr Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economy and Information Technology, Estonia, during the Estonia Country Session, identified cybersecurity, green technology, and biotechnology as potential fields for collaboration with India. On occasion, Mr Ankit Patel, Co-Chair of the MSME Committee, FICCI Gujarat State Council, highlighted Estonia’s potential as an ideal base for Indian companies in various sectors at the Estonia Country Session. He noted, “Estonia offers immense opportunities, particularly in machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing, engineering including cleantech, ICT, and other business services.” This announcement comes alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KODA) and FICCI. The MoU aims to establish a joint business council and foster collaboration through hosting mutual business delegations, signalling a significant step towards enhanced economic cooperation between India and Estonia.
At the Malaysia country session, Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, extended an invitation to Gujarat’s hi-technology companies, citing the country’s pro-business policies, ease of regulatory frameworks, and extensive talent pool.
Mr Róbert Maxián, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to India, presented Slovakia’s potential in sectors like automobile, connectivity, and manufacturing at the Slovakia Country Seminar. He emphasised the strong economic ties with India and encouraged tapping into further opportunities in technology and innovation.
At the Finland Country Seminar, Mr Sunil R Parekh, SPoC Sustainability, Zydus Group, Delegate toCOP and Member, FICCI National Executive Committee underlined the importance of climate tech and innovation in achieving sustainability goals, recognising Finland as a key source of solutions. Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Finnish Ambassador, highlighted the Digitalisation, Education, Sustainability and Innovation (DESI) collaboration between Finland and India and Gujarat’s role in energy transition. Ms. Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary, Gujarat, pointed out the potential for collaboration in renewable energy and energy transmission.
Also, at the Rwanda Country Seminar, Gujarat Minister Kunvarji Bhai Bavaliya, urged for strengthened business cooperation between India and Rwanda. Shri Bharat Sinh Dabhi, Member of Parliament, highlighted India’s global standing and welcomed Rwanda to explore business avenues in Gujarat. Ms Jacqueline Mukangira, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, showcased Rwanda’s ease of doing business, commitment to sustainable tourism, and women’s safety. Mr Yash Pal Sachar from FICCI Africa Council stressed the importance of consistent collaboration to maximise the potential of India-Rwanda bilateral relations, opening new opportunities for mutual growth and investment.
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