Thursday, May 18 2006 13:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Asserting that India provides highest return on foreign investments than any other nation, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Ashwani Kumar told investors that the country is poised for a massive expansion in the manufacturing, infrastructure and food processing sectors.

This century clearly belonged to Asia and this decade to India, Kumar said speaking at a function organised by the India-America Chamber of Commerce here yesterday and asked entrepreneurs to seize this moment before it is too late.

"Any investor who does not seize the opportunity would have missed the opportunity to make very substantial amount of money," he added.

But Kumar warned that India is not a country meant for short-term investments. It is suitable for medium and long-term investments and no well run foreign company has ever complained of losing money.

It is reputed foreign financial analysts who have concluded that India provides maximum return on investments, more than even China, he told the meeting attending by more than 100 investors including several from major American multinationals.

Introducing the minister, Chairman of the Chamber Rajiv Khanna gave facts and figures to underscore the progress that India is making. But Kumar said there is a world beyond statistics which should not be ignored.