Expressing confidence in the growth potential of the economy, Srinivasan said, "attaining five and half per cent growth rate is a easy task and in case GDP grows beyond this rate the Sensex would touch the range of 3600-3800 by March 1999."

The agriculture and the service sectors are growing with tempo but five per cent industrial growth remains a matter of concern, he said.

However, with good agriculture growth translating into consumer demand and government's assurance on infrastructure sector, prospects for economic growth are bright, he said while inaugurating the AMC's northern region branch here.

Elaborating on reasons for opening the branch in the north, he said New Delhi and its surrounding areas have the largest number of retail investors and the branch wouldfocus on training market players and customers.

Prudential asset management, which launched three funds in June collected Rs 170 crore with major portion coming through income plan and short term investment option called Liquid Plan. The asset management concern is a 55:45 joint venture between Prudential Corporation and ICICI.