Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Central and state governments should work together to strengthen the export sector.

Noting that the export sector is an important element in the progress of developing countries, Modi said both the Centre and the States should work towards growth in exports, in order to raise per capita incomes.

Speaking at the fifth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, he added there is immense untapped export potential in several States, including the North Eastern States.

He said a thrust on export promotion at the State level will provide a boost to both income and employment.

Recalling the recent General Elections as the world's largest democratic exercise, the Prime Minister said that it is now time for everyone to work for the development of India.

He spoke of a collective fight against poverty, unemployment, drought, flood, pollution, corruption and violence etc.

He said that everyone at this platform has a common goal of achieving a New India by 2022. He described Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and PM AwaasYojana as illustrations of what the Centre and the States can accomplish together.

Modi said that empowerment, and ease of living, have to be provided to each and every Indian.

He said the goals that have been set for the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, should be accomplished by October 2nd, and work should begin in earnest towards the goals for 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence.

The Prime Minister stressed that the focus should be on collective responsibility for achieving short term and long term goals. 

Modi said that the goal to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024, is challenging, but can surely be achieved. He said States should recognise their core competence, and work towards raising GDP targets right from the district level.