The 21 st century India is emerging as an economic powerhouse and a global leader. It has averaged 8 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate over the past five years, the second fastest in the world after China . During the eleventh five year plan (2007-2012), India is now targeting a higher and inclusive economic growth curve. GDP is expected to touch 10 percent by the end of the eleventh plan period. Urban economy is being recognized as the bridge between the domestic and the global economy and has become an important driver of overall economic growth. It is important to strengthen this bridge by tapping the latent creativity and vitality of the cities and its people. The cities and towns need to be recognized as the front line in the development campaign. We as citizens need to ensure that the urban transition is well managed and leads to a productive and inclusive economic growth and our cities become more livable. A crucial aspect in achieving sustainable economic growth is availability of both physical and social infrastructure. The eleventh plan has identified overcoming of infrastructure deficiencies as a key area to achieve the targeted growth of 10 percent. The investment requirements of such expansion are massive and cannot be met from the public sector alone. To achieve the objective of faster and more inclusive growth, the private sector, which accounts for 70% of the total investment in the economy and employment, needs to be enabled to play a critical role in urban development. This is only possible if the government facilitates "an investor friendly environment".

DAY II, Friday 16 th February 2007

Technical Session 2- Enabling Economic Growth Environment