Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal today asked Chartered Accountants from around the world to become Brand India ambassadors. He was addressing a gathering in San Francisco after launching the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in 6 regions in the United States. The Minister congratulated the office bearers of ICAI for the good work they are doing in promoting the profession.
Greeting the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Shri Goyal said that the next 25 years will be a very crucial time for India to grow from strength to strength and occupy an important place in the geopolitical arena. ICAI is also playing a key role in this journey across India, he said, adding that he looked forward to the time when ICAI would have a hundred international offices.
Emphasizing that Chartered Accountants across the world contribute immensely to economic development, the Minister said Chartered Accountant professionals are guardians of integrity. Referring to the CA’s signature as a mark of integrity and honesty, Shri Goyal said that the value of this signature makes the CA’s task even more weighty and difficult.
Referring to the 21st World Congress of Accountants to be held in Mumbai in November 2022 for the first time in 118 years, Shri Goyal said it should have happened when India was at the top of the G20 presidency. It is a recognition of the growing importance that India has for the community of nations, he added.
Noting that India is an island of stability in a turbulent world, the Minister said that India is one of the fastest growing countries today. Highlighting India’s relentless focus on inflation, Shri Goyal said that since 2014, the government has ensured that inflation is the primary focus of the RBI, and since 2014, India has averaged 4.5% inflation, the lowest we have seen in 8 years since independence.
Regarding the uncertain inflation scenario in today’s world, the Minister said that India is one of the most popular investment destinations and preferred partner of today’s world. World leaders are making every effort to expand their engagement and trade with India through bilateral agreements. We have concluded two successful FTAs ​​with Australia and the UAE and are in an advanced stage of negotiations with the UK and may be concluded by Diwali, he said. The minister talked about the game changing economic reforms in India like GST, IBC, decriminalization and deregulation for ease of doing business, low corporate tax for new businesses coming into India, elimination of taxes on dividend distribution and national single window etc. brought in India a renewed enthusiasm for the expansion of business and economic activities.
Shri Goyal gave four calls to action to ICAI and its members worldwide: He urged them to showcase the huge investment opportunities available in India to their international clients. He asked each member of ICAI to be an ambassador of the India brand and help spread the message of high quality products at competitive prices that India has to offer. India has significantly expanded exports. We have a vibrant One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and atmanirbharta is at the core of our growth philosophy, he said.
The minister asked ICAI members worldwide to use made-in-India products whenever possible, especially for gifts. He emphasized that the motto of sabka prayas applies to every Indian in the world. Shri Goyal also urged Indian Chartered Accountancy companies to strive to develop global partnerships and become international level firms. The legacy of trust, honesty and high standards left behind by our predecessors must always inspire us to live up to the trust reposed in us by the world, the minister said.
