Michael Dell Sees India Playing a Key Role in the Online World

"We are about to see an evolution in technology like the world has never seen, and India will play a key role as the total number of people online goes from one billion today -- or less than 16 percent of the world's population - to two billion over the next few years," said Mr. Dell

"India is an exciting place to be right now. Your technology industry is booming. Your economy is growing at about 9 percent a year. And the future will be one of innovation and positive change in the world of technology. The Dell team is proud to join you on this journey"

Starting off proceedings at the CII-CEOs Forum, Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Director, TVS-Electronics, and Regional Council Member - South, CII said, "This is an opportune time for India to play its part on the global technology stage. And Indian industry can gain much from interface with global business leaders like Mr. Dell, as also from his perspective on the impact of technology in rapidly growing economies like ours."

Mr. Dell said India currently has about 50 million people online, which is less than 5 percent of the population. He also said Internet use in the country has increased 700 percent since the year 2000. More important, he said, is for companies such as Dell to help the second billion people worldwide, many from India, to get online so that they can participate and compete in the economy today - and tomorrow.

Mr. Dell said the company's plans for India include opening a new manufacturing plant soon in Chennai. "With local manufacturing in place, Dell's most comprehensive presence in the world outside the United States will be here in India-domestic sales, research and development, manufacturing, customer support, services and analytics," he said.

Thanking Mr. Dell, General S S Mehta, Director General CII said, "It is evident that the catalytic impact of ICT and the extent of its adoption is a prime factor in the rapid development of the Indian economy in the recent past. Through enthusiastic exchange of ideas between leaders and decision makers, the CII-CEOs Forum has evolved into an effective platform that provides rich insights into key trends to generate new growth opportunities across all industries. It has been a great opportunity for CEOs from across the industry to have an interactive session with Mr. Dell" - Dell.