Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for businesses to contribute to inclusive development through enhanced corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Thursday.
While delivering the keynote address at the Bharat Calling Conference 2025, organized by the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mumbai, Goyal stressed that true development cannot be achieved without inclusive growth. He highlighted the government’s efforts in targeted interventions such as improving ease of living for various communities and strengthening infrastructure nationwide.
He underscored the importance of recognizing sustainability as a major challenge in today’s world and urged businesses to focus on energy efficiency alongside sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Goyal pointed out that India, with a population of 1.4 billion—many of whom are young and aspirational—presents vast opportunities. He noted that the government’s strong focus on manufacturing, skill development, and innovation, as championed by the Prime Minister, has positioned India as a prime destination for global investments.
He also outlined the impact of various government initiatives, including Make in India, Digital India, Startup India, Swachh Bharat, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which have collectively fostered resilience and self-sufficiency, helping India emerge as a significant player in global trade. These efforts, he said, are driving the country’s economic transformation during Amrit Kaal, the two-decade period leading up to 2047.
“We are collectively committed to bringing about a prosperous and developed India,” he said.
Goyal further emphasized that India cannot achieve developed-nation status without integrating its businesses into international trade. He outlined five key enablers for realizing Viksit Bharat@2047: Quality Management and Support for Small Businesses, Sustainability, Inclusive Growth, Skill Development, and Competitiveness & Efficiency.
India is currently at the forefront of a quality revolution, he noted, adding that substandard quality has been a major issue in the past. He urged businesses to adopt modern quality standards, implement good manufacturing practices, and ensure their workforce is well-trained. The country has around 700 quality control orders, he informed.
He suggested that industry bodies like the IMC should advocate for quality control as a valuable service to the nation. Additionally, he called on large corporations to mentor and support small businesses in improving their manufacturing practices.
On sustainability, Goyal remarked that it plays a crucial role in trade and commerce. He pointed out that India’s traditional values have long reflected a deep-rooted consciousness for sustainability, which continues to be relevant today.
