Commerce Minister urges developed countries to remain committed to open markets

14 Feb 2013 Evaluate

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma has urged developed countries to remain committed to open markets as protectionism delays recovery and deepens recession. Speaking at the 21st NASSCOM India Leadership Forum 2013, Sharma said ‘I have in all my interactions with leaders of the developed world argued for freer and more open markets, which allow easier movements of professionals.’

Arguing the case for freer and more open markets which permit easier movements of professionals, he said that historically, the countries tend to look inwards, when faced with recessionary trends and said ‘this is not the right approach. On the contrary, protectionism becomes counter-productive, delaying recovery and deepening recession.’

Quoting a study of the Tuck School of Business, which analyzed the practices of 2500 American MNCs, Sharma said, empirical evidence suggested that for every job outsourced to India, nearly two new jobs were generated in the US. ‘Let us remember that just as America has off-shored some of its work to India, Indian companies are outsourcing activities to American companies, including software development’ he added.

Further, the minister added that the Indian software professionals add to competitive strengths of various economies in the world, improving efficiencies and driving the process of change. ‘Erecting artificial barriers will only end up hurting economies and not supporting the cause of the domestic industry.’

Elaborating views on the government support for the IT and ITES sector, Sharma said he is optimistic of the sector contributing $175 billion by 2020 and generating 10 million direct jobs.  During 2012-13, the Indian IT and ITES industry exports reached $75.8 billion and provided direct employment to 3 million people.

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