AB;sDiary Screen Print India october

AB'S DIARY

Oct 2010 Vibrant Gujarat is a role model worth emulating The state has become a land of opportunity under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and is recognised as an investment destination across the globe If you ever have the occasion to drive down the super express highway between Baroda and Ahmedabad, consider it an example of how the state of Gujarat now operates in every sphere. You can comfortably drive down the entire stretch at a high speed without any bumps or jerks, without having to watch out for errant drivers coming from the wrong direction, confi dent in the knowledge of reaching your destination well on time. You can literally set your automobile on cruise control, put your feet up and relax for the entire journey. The same experience is replicated these days when you do business with anyone in Gujarat. The people are enterprising, the infrastructure is well developed and set in place, the business community on the whole is positive and supportive of new endeavours, a minimum quality standard is a given and the growth story is dazzling. I Where the screen printing industry is concerned, Gujarat has traditionally been a key textile printing hub. Over the years, as the markets evolved and domestic demand for their products reduced, the screen printers shifted focus to cover a variety of export markets. Business boomed instead of declining and profi tability continued unhindered. Now, understanding the need to increase quality standards, they are rapidly opting for automation and quality input materials to ensure that a ‘Made in Gujarat’ printed product can hold its own against the best in the world. Rather than be put off by the expense involved, they wisely consider it as an investment against which their company would get higher profi ts in future. They have the foresight to ensure that their bottom line remains healthy, regardless of a global recession or the recovery phase. This was not the case slightly over a decade ago, when frequent curfews and an atmosphere of fear used to deter investors from the state and the local citizens were hesitant to invest in their own business growth. However, ever since the fearless Shri Narendra Modi took charge as the Chief Minister, Gujarat has not witnessed any curfews. There is a positive atmosphere overall and people feel truly safe and secure. This is one of the reasons why Gujarat has moved to the top of the list when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The state is now seen as a ‘Land of Opportunity’ for international and domestic investors. The way Gujarat moved swiftly and decisively under Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership to be chosen as the new location for the Tata Nano car project over many other states shows that it has the ability to repose a high level of confi dence within others about its capabilities. Today, Gujarat is considered not just by India, but the entire world as a state where things happen. The vibrant state commemorated 50 golden years recently and the celebrations were worth a mention. Gujarat is clearly on the fast track to growth and shows no signs of slowing down in future. Gujarat is truly a role model worth emulating in every sense. "Ever since the fearless Shri Narendra Modi took charge as the Chief Minister, Gujarat has not witnessed any curfews. There is a positive atmosphere overall and people feel truly safe and secure. This is one of the reasons why Gujarat has moved to the top of the list when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment." Anil Brahmbhatt.