Sun Jan 19 17:38:51 UTC 2025: ## India Poised for 7-8% Growth, Says WEF President; Davos Focuses on Indian Potential

**Davos, Switzerland** – The World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende has predicted India’s economic growth could reach 7-8% with the implementation of key reforms. Speaking at the annual Davos meeting, Brende highlighted India’s significant presence and its potential for accelerated growth. He cited India’s current 6% growth rate as a strong base, emphasizing the need for investments in infrastructure, education, and research and development to achieve higher figures.

Brende lauded India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, boasting over 120,000 startups and more than 120 unicorns, as a cornerstone for future growth. He expressed confidence that India will soon become a $10 trillion economy and contribute 20% to global growth within a few years. This growth, he added, will be fueled by India’s strength in the rapidly expanding digital trade and services sector, which is growing three times faster than traditional goods.

While acknowledging the challenges of digitalization, including potential job displacement, Brende stressed the opportunities for increased productivity and higher-value job creation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

The WEF’s Davos meeting, attended by nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 government leaders, will focus on reigniting global growth, harnessing new technologies, and bolstering social and economic resilience. India’s strong delegation, including five Union ministers and three chief ministers, aims to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment, and showcase India’s commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation.

Brende also stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting the devastating impact of wildfires and droughts on global food production. He emphasized that the cost of inaction on climate change far outweighs the cost of taking decisive action, urging continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He underscored the importance of achieving at least a 2-degree Celsius target, particularly for vulnerable nations with low historical carbon emissions, including India, which is already experiencing the effects of climate change through extreme heat waves.

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