LD PM 3 LAST

Singh noted that the rapid economic growth over the last
two years had helped lift millions of people from poverty in
the country "but more needs to be done".
Identifying infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and
education as the key priorities of the United Progressive
Alliance (UPA)-II, he said access to education, healthcare and
economic opportunities has been expanded to a vast majority of
the population.
"This is, however, a work in progress and much more
remains to be done," he said and told the Indian diaspora
that, "I solicit your assistance to achieve those goals."
He said Foreign Direct Investment in India by overseas
Indians is low and far short of potential as they tend to be
good savers and "somewhat conservative investors" and most of
their remittances are placed in bank deposits.
Singh said Indian industry is rapidly developing a global
orientation with many of its companies transforming themselves
into multinational corporations with global brand names.
"As Indian industry steps outward, the Indian diaspora
could do more to inter-link Indian industry with global
markets. They could reinforce the improving brand image of
India," the Prime Minister emphasised.
He hoped the newly-created Overseas Indian Facilitation
Centre will become an effective hub for promoting two-way
interaction with overseas Indian community.
"In our lifetime we have seen India walk with greater
confidence and ability. In the lifetime of our children we
would want them to see the India of our and their dreams - an
India that lives up to the expectations of those who struggled
to make it free and those who toil to take it forward and an
India that wishes to live in peace, as it seeks prosperity for
all," he said. PTI