“21st century belongs to Asia. We can lead rest of the world in economic development and many other facets of life”, said Chief Principal Secretary to CM Punjab, Mr Suresh Kumar IAS, while representing Punjab Government at the premier Horasis Asia Meeting 2020 virtually on 30th November 2020.Horasis is a global visions community and an international organization committed to enacting visions for a sustainable future. Horasis Asia Meeting 2020 is Asia’s premier gathering of the region’s most senior leaders from business and Government to jointly develop solutions for dealing with the current crisis and shaping a durable economic system for Asia’s post-COVID future. The event was attended by approximately 400 of the top business and political leaders from Asia.Speaking at the plenary session ‘Asia – United in Diversity’, Mr Suresh Kumar spoke about the diverse ways of governance and livelihood in Asia. He said that Asia would dominate the world economy in the times to come.Speaking about Covid19, he mentioned that the pandemic has affected all sectors of our economy and all facets of our life and that it is a matter of great satisfaction that Asia has been able to contain the pandemic. He mentioned that we must protect the lives of all & the livelihood of the poor and that how the diverse countries in Asia can collaborate across manpower, technology and markets to ensure inclusive recovery for all post Covid19.
Concurring with the panelists, Mr Suresh Kumar emphasized that increased dialogue, cooperation and cohesive action between the diverse countries of Asia is key to sustainable socio-economic development in the region.Mr Kumar elaborated how the numerous strengths of the State such as peaceful labour relations, strong law and order, diversity, open and transparent system and hardworking Punjabi manpower have helped the State become the preferred destination for firms from diverse economies and cultures. He also highlighted the Right to Business Act in Punjab that was recently brought by the State Government to foster a supportive environment for MSME units in the State.Responding to a question posed by the moderator Mr Venky Vembu about the advantages of the melting pot model of diversity, Mr Kumar said that Punjab, and India, believe in multiculturalism built on cultural and religious diversity where local context and aspirations are also considered. While there can be a unified model of promoting trade and travel, as advocated by the WTO, it is necessary to have diversity in cultural and economic models at the local level in various countries.He invited business leaders across Asia to visit Punjab and discover these enterprising collaborations in the State.Another member of the panel, H.E. Mr Nguyen Minh Vu, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam, emphasized that the impact of Covid-19 on Asia can be tackled by closer collaboration.Other State Government officials present during the meeting included Mr Rajat Agarwal IAS - CEO, Invest Punjab, Mr Jitendra Jorwal IAS - ACEO, Invest Punjab and Ms Avneet Kaur PCS - JCEO, Invest Punjab.The plenary session was also attended by Ms Alma Ruby C. Torio, Assistant Secretary of Curriculum & Instruction, Philippines, Dr Sansern Samalapa, Vice Minister of Commerce, Thailand and was chaired by Mr Venky Vembu, Associate Editor, The Hindu Business Line, India.