MUMBAI, 22 AUGUST, 2020 (GPN):   “Human Nature is that we need to move ahead, do more. The current pandemic I believe is an opportunity in disguise for local manufacturing in India.” said Industry Minister Sri Satish Mahana during CII Conference on Emerging Technologies for Businesses today conducted over virtual platform. Mr Mahana also mentioned that the UP Government has signed several MOUs with the Defense forces last week to promote defense manufacturing in UP defense corridor.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ankit Gupta, Chairman, CII UP State Council stated that we need to understand how technology can be invaluable during these times to connect with the customers, supply chain stakeholders and employees. Mr Gupta mentioned that as an agri input company, they would have never imagined connecting with the farmers over a digital platform yet today they are extensively doing so.

Mr Rajesh Sikka, Chairman, CII Western UP Zonal Council during his address at the Inaugural Session shared that technologies have the power to change a country’s or an industry’s trajectory in terms of financial gains, productivity benefits, and market standing. He went on to mention some of the latest advancements such as 5G Communications, Wi-Fi 6, Artificial Intelligence, IOT among other things have expanded the potential of industries in the future. He concluded by stating that it is imperative to accept the reality that the future isn’t what it was thought to be and  we need to start to think about how to make it work and grow in the long run.

Addressing the conference, Mr Sanjay Podder, Managing Director, Technology Lead for ASIAM, Greater China & Japan, Accenture India said that India is in a tech lash phase. Elaborating, he mentioned that we are in a post digital world where businesses and the common people have been impacted by digital technology in various ways. Yet, on one hand we love use of technology, and at the same time data privacy & data usage is under question. Mr Podder iterated that telepresence is the new normal and is proof of increasing digital penetration.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India shared that with bandwidth demands continuing to rise, consumers and businesses are turning to the next generation of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for ultra-fast networking at high speeds, low latency, and power efficiency. “In keeping with our legacy, experience, and trailblazing solutions in semiconductor technology, it is important to look forward to solutions that empower consumers on this journey of digitization” he said.

Mr Hanumanthu Purushottam, Chairman & Managing Director, National Research Development Corporation(NRDC) pointed out that the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ call by the Hon’ble PM gives Indian Businessmen an opportunity to come forward & lead the economy. He also mentioned that NRDC extends support to the industry by filing IPR registration free of cost. Amul baby powder is one such example.

The conference also saw deliberation on Intelligent automation in Digital transformation and Cost saving strategies using technology which focused on investments that can be made on capabilities that will ultimately reduce costs for business.

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India and is home to around 16.5% of India’s population, making it one of the biggest consumer markets. The GSDP (2011-12 prices) of Uttar Pradesh grew at a CAGR of 6% during FY16 to Rs 9,147 billion from Rs 7,240 billion in FY12. CAGR growth rates of primary, secondary and tertiary sector were 2%, 5.6%, and 7.8% respectively. Further, the contribution of the primary, secondary and tertiary sector to State’s GVA in FY16 were 24%, 27% and 49% respectively. The per capita income in FY16 (current prices) was Rs 54,658. With the new government at the helm, Government of Uttar Pradesh is working towards establishing the state as an attractive investment destination. To give a push to industrial growth and development, the State Government is coming up with a new Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy of UP 2017 as a holistic guiding policy for all departments related to industrialization. The State Government has been focusing on the development of a robust infrastructure. The total road length in the State has been 4,03,102 kms along with 8,483 kms of National highway. Some of the noteworthy projects in this regard are Agra- Lucknow Six lane Expressway, Yamuna Expressway etc. Uttar Pradesh is the biggest beneficiary of Eastern DFC project with the share of 57% in the total length of 1,839 kms. On the Power side, the installed power capacity in the State is 21,312 MW with the renewable energy potential of 27,593 MW. Uttar Pradesh, a state with an access to a robust industrial infrastructure, has 15 industrial areas, 12 specialized parks, four growth centres and Industrial Infrastructure Development Centres. Being the most populous state of the Country, Uttar Pradesh offers attractive investment opportunities in the FMCG and consumer goods sector. Uttar Pradesh is also the leading producer of wheat, sugarcane and potato, ranks second in vegetable production and third in fruit production, amongst all Indian states, making it an attractive destination for agro based industries. The other potential sectors for investment include footwear & leather, IT-ESDM, Textile industry, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals, Renewable Energy, automobiles, defence manufacturing, Healthcare, tourism and skill development etc. CII has been working closely with Government of Uttar Pradesh for the overall and inclusive development of the State. With the theme of Destination UP and as part of policy advocacy agenda, CII is representing the industry viewpoint on emerging trends, shaping new policies including the proposed industrial & sectoral policy etc. CII is committed towards industry competitiveness by providing services like networking, industrial and business missions, seminars, training, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer seller forums etc.ENDS