Canacona (Goa): Projects launched by the Narendra Modi government since 2014 have the potential to transform India into a different country and enhance its confidence and stature at the global stage, a senior Taiwanese official has said.

“In 2014, there were two developments that changed the impression about India. First, people elected an able leader (Modi) to lead this country and elevate it to another level,” James Tien, Trade Representative of Taiwan in India, said.

“Second, launching of projects like Make in India, Start up India and Smart Cities which would eventually transform India into a different country,” he said.

He was speaking yesterday at the ‘India Ideas Conclave 2016’ currently underway in Goa.

“He (Modi) elevated the confidence level of India domestically and internationally,” Tien said, addressing the plenary session of the event.

“Taiwan is not as lucky as other countries like India and US. It does not have natural resources. We have worked very hard to reach where we are now,” he said.

“I’m always impressed with the economic miracle in Taiwan. Miracle will not happen just like that. In the last six decades, we have worked hard,” the official said.

“Over the past 20 years, we are doing a wonderful job between our countries (India and Taiwan). Our trade volume has increased 600 per cent.

“We have also established 11 training centres, language training centres in some of the prominent universities and institutes–IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, JNU, you name it,” he said.

“We would also like to provide scholarships for talented young Indian students to study in Taiwan. At this moment, we have 1,443 Indian students in Taiwan, of which over 200 have received scholarships,” Tien said.

PTI