The chief executive officers (CEOs) of Indian companies have emerged as the most optimistic lot in the world when it comes to expectations for improvement in global economy this year and revenue prospects of their own businesses in the longer term.

Half a decade on from the financial crisis, investors want to see earnings driven by more than just cost cutting.

He said that while the government's recent spate of reforms, including the relaxation of FDI norms is an indication of progress that the government hopes to bring about, the steps were "too little, too late".