MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today  addressed the 95th Annual Plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through video conferencing. In his speech, he said that the contribution of ICC towards the development of industries and manufacturing in the East and North-East and in national building for the last 95 years, is historical and commendable.

The ICC AGM  is happening at a time when India is challenging a challenge - coronavirus. In fact, India is facing several challenges, the locust swarm, cyclone, the oil well fire in Assam. But handling crisis successfully is nothing new to ICC, the east and north east and in fact to whole of India. He reminded that  it is one's mental strength and resolve that is key in such times. According to Narendra Modi all dreams of the hard workers can only be realised through the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat  (self-reliant India).

The time has come for every street, every village, every district, every state, and the nation as a whole to take a pledge to ensure that we as a nation must become self-reliant at all levels. We need to support each other and especially those who are small-time craftsmen and workers, in a virtual cycle of prosperity. we can grow by supporting each other. Prime minister asked industry and all citizens to be ‘Vocal for local’. 

The government of India is doing all it can , including giving big support to micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs).  GeM is one such initiative. India is moving from a structure of ‘Command and Control’ to ‘Plug and Play’. The government is also focusing on helping farmers across the nation, by making it free for them to decide who they want to sell their produce to, and at the best price they get. 

Narendra Modi also elaborated ICC’s core theme of ‘People, Planet and Profit’ and explained how it is beneficial for the nation. He gave examples of LED, jute industry in West Bengal and organic products of North East. ICC wholehearted welcome and support prime minister Modi, for the bold reforms and the motivating talk and guidance and pledges to work on his guided path. 

Prime minister also asked ICC to develop a road map and targets towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat for 2022 when India will celebrate 75th year of Independence and also for 2025 when ICC will enter its 100th year.