Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the FCCI meet in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. (TV grab)

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the FCCI meet in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. (TV grab) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the FCCI meet in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. (TV grab)

There is need to focus on value addition to drive the Indian economy, Gujarat Chief Minister told industrialists in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, outlaying the BJP's economic plan if his party came to power after the next general elections.

"Value addition becomes important for natural resources well, even water. What is happening to bauxite resources? Nothing. Socialist slogans are good but is that helping anyone? Value addition drives the economy. We need to focus on that," the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said at a FICCI meet.

Highlights of Modi's speech:

-There was so much enthusiasm as the nation entered the 21st century. People believed that India could do something. Sadly, things changed as the end of the first decade came. There were question marks all over.

-To come out of this gloom and question marks will be our biggest challenge.

-Even small things can create or break trust. And when there is pessimism all over, you can imagine what happens.

-People want to come out of the gloom and they want a ray of hope. Top priority is to bring the trust again.

-Trust changes situations. It brings a positive difference.

-Leadership matters a lot. Is there determination and will to take decisions? The need of the hour is that we inspire people to find answers to these.

-Mahatma Gandhi said think of how the last person in the line would gain. On those lines we need to think on the purchasing power of the poorest.

-In terms of purchasing power, agriculture and services sector are important.

-Land is not going to increase. We need to look at productivity and value addition.

-If we want employment we need development of industry.

-Skilled manpower is the key to development of our nation in the coming years.

-PM is fond of inclusive growth but if we don't build capacity among the poor through education, how can we make them skilled?

-Railway needs quality manpower. Why cannot we think of dedicated railway universities?





