CEOs on triumphs and troubles

NEW DELHI: It was a chat with a difference. Corporate India’s tete-a-tete with the finance minister threw up a host of interesting issues as P Chidambaram used the opportunity to quiz top industrialists on both their achievements and their demands Most CEOs came away impressed with the candour of the discussion.

Said Harshpati Singhania, MD, JK Paper: “The meeting was extremely positive, and a lot of issues having high relevance to the industry were discussed. It was extremely business-like.

A clear picture as to how we can overcome some inhibitors for growth emerged towards the end of the discussions.” Agreed Rajeev Bakshi, chairman, PepsiCo India: “It was an interesting experience being questioned by the finance
minister himself.”

Corporate top bosses were convinced that the interface would help industry achieve its growth targets. CII president R Seshasayee said, “The meeting marks a very healthy progress towards India Inc’s march for achieving a 12% manufacturing growth.” Industry also felt the FM paid due heed to its demands for better infrastructure.