No. PR- 116
October 1, 2021
New Delhi
Collaboration Will Be The New Mantra Between Countries, Says Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia At PHDCCI’s 116th Annual Session
The pandemic has taught us to share and collaborate and this would be the new mantra not only between individuals but going forward also between nations, stated the Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at the virtual session- “International Connectivity as a Force Multiplier for Resilient India” organised on the 116th Annual Session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The topic of connectivity assumes more relevance today as it promotes global interactions. Though the aviation sector suffered during the pandemic, it provided a lifesaving service with air cargo lifting, medical aid, food packs etc across the globe.
Shri Scindia stated that even during the pandemic, when the global economy plummeted, the air cargo sector boomed as it carried life-saving medicines and vaccination to different countries.
He informed that though aviation forms only 3-3.5 per cent of the GDP as only 10 percent travel by air. In the next few years 20-40 million middle class may take to flying and air travel would overtake railway AC travel in a big way.
In his address at the PHDCCI Annual Session, Hon’ble Minister commended the contribution made by the Chamber to the growth of the country at various levels and in various fields. He said that the topic of connectivity assumes more relevance today as it promotes global interactions. The aviation infrastructure development is no more a luxury but crucial for collaboration, exchange and share which is the guiding mantra for the development of this sector.
Shri Scindia said that the two Cs-connectivity and commerce are vital for economic growth. Geopolitical boundaries have not restrained India, he added as we believe in “Vasudeva Kutumbakam”. Saath, Vikaas, Vishwas and prayas with a prefix of ‘sabka’ as coined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister is central to the growth of international relationship and diplomacy. It opens the floodgates of economic progress, business network as well as social network. The latter, he said, was necessary for exchange of knowledge, improvement of access to the markets, etc.
The Hon’ble Minister explained how a neglected airstrip of Darbhanga has transformed into a busy airport today with a huge footfall. He also stated that Belgavi which is an educational hub has become an important centre for students and cargo movement.
Similarly, long haul flights have to come on our agenda as an aviation hub. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has stressed on an infrastructural strategy in this field. There were only 76 airports built in 70 years but in the last seven years alone 60 more have been added.
Shri Scindia said that the dream in our pipeline is not just developing big metros but also smaller towns to be brought on the aviation map. He urged the State Governments to work together with the central government in the development of aviation sector. He praised the Uttarakhand State and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar for lowering the VAT on aviation. By this move, there would be boost in the volume of air travel. He also stated that there is a vast potential for increasing the growth of employment with the development of aviation.
With two mega hubs in the NCR and more on the drawing board, the sector will contribute immensely to turn the economy into a five trillion one!, he said.
Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, President of the PHD Chamber, welcomed the Hon’ble Union Civil Aviation Minister and handed a digital Statue of Unity to the guest. He fondly remembered the dynamic and sterling leadership of Madhavrao Scindia in leading several departments of the Government of India and his proven transformational reality and the ability of a paradigm shift.
Shri Saket Dalmia, Vice President of the PHD Chamber, proposed a vote of thanks saying that national and international air travel was here to stay. With the Minister introducing drone delivery regulations and ambitious projection for futuristic growth, it would be a hall mark of connectivity globally.
The 116th Annual Session of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry is supported by Vestige | Konard Adenauer Stifung | DCM Shriram | JK Tyre | Paramount Cables | Radico | Marble City | KVS Premier | Uflex | Apeejay Stya | Blossom Kochhar | Bry-Air | Jaipuria Institute of Management | The Malt Company | MV Cotspin Limited | Eaks Auto | Hindustan Tin Works | Sage Middle East to India | Victor Agencies | Sahai Group of Companies | Speciality Merchandising Services.
_
End
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry