By Ranald Leask
International Press Officer, the University of Edinburgh
In recent days new figures revealed that India’s economy had grown by 7.5% in 2015 – the highest in the world. A useful reminder that as China stumbles, the US slows and Europe stagnates, India can point to impressive growth figures. As one observer put it, “the elephant has once again begun to dance”. But the Country’s challenges remain substantial.
Today’s Make in India event is the Asia Business Forum, a gathering allowing delegates from all over the world to engage with India’s business and political leaders. Discussion have encompassed a huge range of topics and have included warnings, confident predictions, and disarming honesty.
Fareed Zakaria (left) interviews Arun Jaitley
Arun Jaitley, India’s Finance Minister, was just one of a number of high profile speakers. He was interviewed by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria whose opening remarks painted a bleak picture of a world in chaos: the Middle East mired in war; a low oil price leading to unemployment and uncertainty, and economic stagnation and migrant movement presenting additional challenges to many economies.
Prof Harald Haas in discussion
For Edinburgh’s delegation, the Make in India event presents a wonderful opportunity to engage across a wide range of sectors and comprises:
- Professor Harald Haas, the inventor of ‘Li-Fi’
- Professor Andy Kerr, Director, Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation
- Dr Pete Hotten, Edinburgh Research Innovation
- Dr Pankaj Pankaj, School of Engineering and Dean International for South Asia
- Catriona McCarthy, Deputy Director, International Office
- Amrita Sadarangani, Director, India Liaison Office, located in Mumbai
- Dr Majid Safari, lecturer in Optical Communication
- Liz Reilly, Development & Alumni
The University of Edinburgh delegation
Edinburgh’s strong reputation and long history of partnership with India was one of the reasons for the invitation to what is a heavily over-subscribed event. As the University looks to the future, Dr Pankaj Pankaj believes Edinburgh can do even more.
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