By IANS,
New Delhi : As Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressed a group of business leaders here Wednesday, he stressed on two mantras: self-confidence and inclusive growth.
Speaking of self-confidence, al-Assad used the Hindi word ‘atma vishwas’ to the applause of the audience.
“There are times in the life of nations when they feel confident that they can take on the world, that they are capable of meeting any challenge and achieving any ambition.
“Such a spirit, a national ‘atma vishwas’ so to speak, provides the most enduring and potent catalyst for national development and growth,” al-Assad said.
Referring to Syria’s economic development in the recent past, he said that his country was shaping its business environment for today’s global economy.
“This means a major change at a sustainable pace and introducing the reforms necessary for a dynamic and prosperous enterprise economy. In our national strategy we have targeted key areas to support opportunity and inclusive growth,” he said.
The president, who spoke for around an hour, equated the spirit of self-confidence with a mindset that is “intolerant of inefficiencies, poor standards, open corruption, and, most critically, intolerant of obstacles which lie in its path”.
“This spirit and optimism shared by our people is what makes our two countries great,” al-Assad said.
Calling upon the world community to deal with the challenges of rising food prices collectively, al-Assad said: “Challenges in energy and environment, rising food prices and health epidemics – globalisation has shown us that no nation can afford to confront these without dialogue, cooperation and global partnership.”
The Syrian president, who kicked off a five-day state visit to India earlier in the morning, said: “India has strategically recognised that stability, security and sustainability should form the foundations of any national aspiration.”
India’s top industry lobbies, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Confederation of Indian Industry, had organised the meet.
He said that India-Syrian partnership would stem from the nations’ common spirit and mutual understanding and aspirations, and lauded India’s efforts in creating an environment full of opportunities.
“Considered by many as the cradle of the outsourcing and technological revolutions, in recent years India has demonstrated that its capabilities and ambitions are much greater than these early successes.”