Future of Accounting Profession Secure in Capable Hands: Piyush Goyal, Union Minister | ICAI | WOFA 2.0

Greater Noida News (31 January 2026): The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on Friday inaugurated the second edition of the World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) 2.0 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, bringing together the global accounting fraternity for a three-day dialogue on the future of the profession. The prestigious forum, which runs through the weekend, has attracted over 9,000 delegates from India and abroad, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s largest gatherings of accounting and finance professionals.

The inaugural session featured high-profile keynote addresses by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, CA (Dr.) Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary, ICAI, CA Prasanna Kumar D., Vice President, ICAI, CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI, Jean Bouquot, President, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and Jennifer Westacott, CEO, Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), among other global leaders.

‘Profession Is in Safe Hands’

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed deep confidence in the future of the Chartered Accountancy profession. Recalling his earlier interactions with large groups of CAs across the country, he said he had never imagined witnessing such an unprecedented congregation of professionals at one platform.

I am going back today doubly assured that the accounting profession is in safe hands, Piyush Goyal said, praising Chartered Accountants as the torchbearers who will continue to strengthen India’s growth story and enhance its global standing. He described CAs as trusted professionals who play a vital role in sustaining economic integrity, enabling investment, and supporting business expansion.

India’s Economic Strength and Global Rise

The Union Minister highlighted India’s resilience amid global uncertainty, pointing to strong macroeconomic fundamentals, controlled inflation, a stable banking system and healthy foreign exchange reserves. Despite turbulence in global trade, he noted, India’s exports of goods and services continue to grow, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s fastest-growing large economy.

Reflecting on India’s economic journey since 2014, Goyal said decisive leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi restored confidence and accelerated growth, enabling India to advance its timeline to become the world’s third-largest economy. He emphasized that this transformation is visible even in remote parts of the country and reflected in the growing global respect for the Indian passport.

Trade Agreements and Global Opportunities

Goyal also spoke about India’s proactive global engagement, citing landmark trade agreements such as the Free Trade Agreement with Australia and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, concluded in record time. He underlined that India’s interests—including those of farmers, MSMEs and the dairy sector—remain protected even as the country opens markets where it is globally competitive.

He noted that India’s exports have crossed USD 775 billion over the past two years, with confidence of surpassing USD 800 billion this year. The growing global recognition of India’s economic potential, he said, is evident in major negotiations such as the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, often described as the “mother of all FTAs”.

Chartered Accountants as Global Ambassadors

Highlighting the pivotal role of Chartered Accountants, the minister said their credibility, integrity and rigorous training make them invaluable in certifying true and fair value, attracting global investments and showcasing the India growth story worldwide. He urged CAs to think bigger, avoid complacency and aspire to build larger firms, forge cross-border partnerships and deliver high-value professional services.

The strong work ethic we acquire in India equips us to succeed anywhere in the world, Piyush Goyal said, calling on professionals to prepare for emerging opportunities across finance, technology, manufacturing, trade and services.

Leadership Insights from Industry and ICAI

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, inspired the audience to think boldly about India’s future beyond 2026. A proud Chartered Accountant himself, Birla highlighted how visionary leadership and enterprise have carried the India story across the globe, making him a role model for the profession.

 

CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI, emphasized the Institute’s commitment to equipping members for global leadership. He, along with Vice President CA Prasanna Kumar D., Secretary CA (Dr.) Jai Kumar Batra, and other council members, highlighted ICAI’s initiatives to expand international presence, skill development and future-ready competencies.

Global leaders Jean Bouquot (IFAC) and Jennifer Westacott (CAPA) underscored the growing importance of Indian Chartered Accountants in the global financial ecosystem and praised ICAI’s role in shaping ethical, competent and globally mobile professionals.

About WOFA 2.0

WOFA 2.0 serves as a premier global platform for dialogue on the future of accounting, auditing, finance, sustainability, technology and governance. The forum features plenary sessions, technical discussions, knowledge-sharing panels and networking opportunities, focusing on how the profession can adapt to rapid technological change, global economic shifts and evolving regulatory landscapes.

As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, WOFA 2.0 highlights the collective responsibility of Chartered Accountants to anticipate future needs, acquire new-age skills and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s journey towards becoming a $30 trillion economy and a confident global leader.

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