In spite of global slowdown, the services sector exports have shown a remarkable performance: CEA

New Investment projects announced by the Private Sector have been highest in Q1 of FY2023-24 in 14 years: CEA

Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), Ministry of Finance, said that at 7.8% year on year, India’s growth rate towers above the growth rate in several other leading economies. India’s economic growth maintained the strong momentum witnessed in the final quarter of FY23, he added.

The CEA was briefing media after the release of the estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the April-June quarter (Q1) of 2023-24, both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in New Delhi today evening.

Dr. Nageswaran said that overall India’s macroeconomic stability and growth prospects are its strong points and the first quarter GDP data has reaffirmed these two key aspects of the Government’s overall macro-economic management, particularly during the COVID Pandemic years. India's economy in Q1 grew at the fastest pace in a year, on the shoulders of a boost in capital expenditure both at central and state levels, along with stronger consumption demand, especially in rural areas, and improved performance in the services sector, he added.

The biggest positive for Indian economy is that the private sector capital formation is well underway. This augurs well for future employment and income growth of Indian households, the CEA said. He further highlighted that the new Investment projects announced by the Private Sector have been highest in Q1 of FY2023-24 in 14 years.

Dr. Nageswaran explained that the rural demand for FMCGs has increased especially for high value goods. The same trend is evident for small towns, contributing to growth, he added.

The CEA said that inspite of global slowdown, the services sector exports have shown a remarkable performance. Both manufacturing and services sectors are expanding and income growth is evident in the recovery in rural demand, Dr. Nageswaran said.

The CEA said that residential real estate sector will underpin growth in the construction material sector.

Dr. Nageswaran stated that the Union government’s single-minded focus on capital expenditure over the years has crowded in the private sector and it has rubbed off on state governments too. However, the CEA added, inflation developments are under control but they bear watching.

Summing up the briefing, Dr. Nageswaran said:

• Investment and consumer momentum will underpin solid growth prospects over the upcoming year
• The private sector is poised to contribute to stronger investment growth following the strengthening of corporate and bank balance sheets, supported by the government’s Capex push.
• Food inflation is likely to subside with the arrival of fresh stock in the market and government pre-emptive measures.
• Expansion of public digital platforms and path-breaking measures such as PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, and the Production-Linked Incentive schemes will boost manufacturing output.

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Capital expenditure as the central policy lever underpins growth by crowding in private investment and boosting manufacturing output. Policy emphasis on capital expenditure is identified as the primary growth instrument, crowding in private sector investment and supporting employment and household incomes. Recovery in rural consumption and residential real estate demand, plus services export strength and manufacturing expansion, underpin near term growth while inflation remains contained but monitored. Structural measures-public digital platforms, PM GatiShakti, National Logistics Policy, and Production Linked Incentive schemes-are framed to boost manufacturing output and sustain investment momentum.