New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) As India develops and opens itself to global competitiveness, the country needs to gear itself against rampant corruption and fraud, said a US expert.

Well-known US-based management and business consultant Harry G. Harris said: "India still needs to remember that poverty is still prevailing."

Addressing intellectuals and academicians at a seminar on 'Globalization and Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century', Harris said: "Globalisation is though not a panacea and its basic purpose is to provide opportunities for all people. Chinese are ahead of India in this scenario as they realised their potential and devoted funds for the uplift of the down-trodden."

"Stealing and corruption is in the US too, but the only difference is we take strict action as we believe very strongly in protecting our citizens' interest," said a concerned Harris at the seminar held under the auspices of the American embassy and the Centre for Civil Society (India) Wednesday.

According to Harris, a visiting professor of University of California, the elimination of corruption and fraud leads to economic independence and stability. Entrepreneurship is the key to success, he said.

India should closely work with the US for "a sustainable and equitable growth thereby facilitating free flow of opportunities", said Harris, who also serves as International Trade Advisor to the Mayor of Fresno, California, and is president of the Harry G. Harris Foundation, a charitable trust.

He has conducted extensive research on global management and strategic policy issues in private and public enterprises.