Former President APJ Abdul Kalam urges support for manufacturing sector

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam supported the Modi government's 'Make In India' campaign on Monday by urging the industry as well as the government to increase focus on the manufacturing sector.

"We should focus on the manufacturing sector which has been recognised as an engine for economic growth," Kalam said.

"Biomedical engineering, oil and gas, defence, transportation, aerospace, hardware, information technology and electronics are some areas which we must focus on," he said while addressing a function organised by Larsen & Toubro.

Quoting from a recent report, Kalam said, "Our manufacturing sector has a golden chance to seize a larger share in the global market".

The government has an ambitious plan to increase the share of manufacturing in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 per cent by 2025, from the present 16 per cent.

The noted scientist said that generating low cost manufacturing plants, would help the sector grow sixfold and touch USD 1 trillion, as well as create nine crore jobs by 2025.

He also urged the government to allocate more funds for research and development to boost manufacturing.