India Can Produce and Sell Technology at Lower Cost than China, World Bank Says
Team Finance Saathi
03/Mar/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- India has the potential to produce technology more affordably than China, given its workforce advantage.
- Green technology is a promising area for India, with domestic demand and global opportunities.
- Job creation and economic growth remain key challenges as India aims for a developed status by 2047.
India’s economy is at a crossroads, and its potential to compete with China in technology production has become a major topic of discussion. According to World Bank’s Country Director Mr. Auguste Tano Kouame, India is poised to produce and sell technology at a lower cost than China. The key to this competitive edge lies in India’s large and growing workforce, which provides significant leverage in manufacturing and production. However, as with any opportunity, there are challenges that must be addressed for India to fully capitalize on this potential.
India’s Workforce Advantage: India’s large population is often cited as both an opportunity and a challenge. With over 1.4 billion people, India has a vast labor pool, and this can become a major advantage in technology production. As global economies develop, wages tend to rise, making it more difficult for nations to maintain a competitive manufacturing edge. In contrast, India’s workforce offers an abundance of affordable labor. The ability to manufacture products at lower costs due to this workforce can give India a unique advantage over China, which has seen its labor costs increase in recent years.
However, this advantage will only be fully realized if India can master the necessary technologies. Kouame emphasizes that mastering and efficiently manufacturing cutting-edge technologies is critical for India’s success. If India can do this, it will be able to produce technology at a lower cost and offer it to the global market, attracting customers worldwide. In particular, India has the opportunity to become a hub for green technology.
The Promise of Green Technology: One of the most promising sectors where India can gain a significant competitive advantage is green technology. The global shift toward sustainability and eco-friendly solutions presents a massive opportunity for India. The country’s domestic market already has a demand for green technologies, as people become more aware of environmental issues. This demand gives India a strong foundation to build expertise in this sector, creating innovative products for local needs.
Green technology also holds global potential. As the world increasingly turns toward eco-friendly solutions, India’s expertise in this area could allow it to become a major supplier in the global market. India could position itself as a leader in the production of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and other sustainable innovations. The opportunity to meet both domestic and international demand in this area is substantial.
India’s Trade Relations and Manufacturing Edge: India’s strong trade relationships with multiple countries further bolster its position as a potential manufacturing hub. Trade ties with nations across the globe provide India with access to new markets and opportunities. By focusing on strategic internal reforms, improving trade relations, and tapping into sectors like green technology, India can increase its role in global supply chains and become an even more attractive destination for manufacturing.
Despite these advantages, there are challenges that India must face head-on to succeed in the competitive global market. One of the most pressing concerns is job creation. As India’s population continues to grow, providing sufficient employment opportunities will be critical for ensuring social inclusion and sustaining economic growth. The ability to create jobs in various sectors, particularly in manufacturing, will be essential in achieving long-term economic prosperity.
Challenges to High Growth: India’s economy has shown resilience in recent years, growing at an average rate of over 7% per year, even during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in trade barriers. However, sustaining this growth amid global economic uncertainties, trade restrictions, and slowing international markets presents a significant challenge. The global economy is facing headwinds, and India will need to be agile in responding to these challenges to maintain its upward trajectory.
Moreover, India must address the issue of economic inequality and ensure that the benefits of growth reach all segments of society. Sustainable development, which includes both economic and social growth, will require careful planning and strategic investments in key industries.
India's Path to Becoming a Developed Nation: Looking ahead to 2047, India has set ambitious goals of becoming a developed nation. This vision, often referred to as "India at 100," aims for rapid economic progress, technological advancements, and improved living standards for its citizens. However, achieving this goal will require significant reforms, investment in key sectors, and efficient utilization of India’s workforce.
For India to fulfill its potential, it must focus on creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This includes improving infrastructure, enhancing ease of doing business, and supporting innovation across industries. By doing so, India can continue to attract global investors, strengthen its position in the global market, and create opportunities for its growing workforce.
In conclusion, India has the potential to compete with and even surpass China in technology production, thanks to its large workforce, growing domestic demand for green technology, and strategic global partnerships. However, for India to realize this potential, it must address challenges related to job creation, economic growth, and global competition. By focusing on internal reforms and sustainable development, India can strengthen its global standing and work toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
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