Date:13/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/02/13/stories/2004021301200400.htm

Back `Over 8% GDP growth sustainable'

Our Bureau

Dr S. Narayan, Economic Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, with Mr M.K. Sanghi, President, Assocham, at a seminar in the Capital on Thursday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Feb. 12

THE Government has expressed confidence in sustaining the GDP growth of over eight per cent in the next fiscal with the announcement of economic policies during 2003-04.

"This growth rate in GDP is most certainly sustainable. The kind of steps and economic initiatives taken by the Government in the Budget and the various packages announced are aimed at making sure that the growth is sustained," Dr S. Narayan, Economic Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, said on the sidelines of a seminar on `Economic Growth Structure' organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India today.

The Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) had placed the advanced estimate of GDP growth at 8.1 per cent for this fiscal.

Dr Narayan added that the entire process of economic reforms focuses on value-addition in agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors.