Union Finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee has said that the young and emerging entrepreneurs will lead the city of Pune in several new areas of progress and development.

"Whether it is information technology, global business, innovation or sophisticated management and human relations, these young icons have established their credentials and the same will stand in good stead for the city," Mukherjee said.

He was speaking at an event to launch the book 'Icons of Pune' in the city. It includes profiles of some of the great achievers in the field of business from the city in the last few decades including young entrepreneurs from the current times.

The FM also said that the city has been the intellectual capital of the state as well as an important centre of national awakening. He also acknowledged that thinkers, activists, philosophers, writers and speakers from the city contributed greatly to the freedom struggle.

The book will encourage achievers and many other will follow their path to achievement. The city has become an important hub not only for engineering and automobile industries but also new technologies like biotechnology and nanotechnology. The positive mindset of people makes Pune a vital city, he added.