by Punjabnewswire4u
GURGAON/CHANDIGARH, NOV 4
The Punjab
Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, today said that Punjab was all
set to develop area specific industrial clusters to develop industry according
to the strengths of that specific region.
Presiding over a special state
session ‘Investment opportunities in Punjab’ during the Invest North Conclave
being organized by CII here today, the Deputy Chief Minister threw the ball in
the courts of investors by showcasing the unique initiatives of the state
government, right from developing world class infrastructure in the form of
surplus power, best air connectivity in the country, road network besides
explaining governance reforms like getting rid of outdated laws making
interaction of public with government officers a pleasant experience. He said
that Punjab government was fully committed to attract at least Rs.1 lac crore
investment in the state in coming 4 years and said that the major investment
sectors would be textile, agro processing, information technology,
petrochemicals and downstream industry of refinery, automobile, sugar, hand
tools, sports goods, hosiery/garments/knitting, road and infrastructure,
education, medical tourism, real estate, entertainment, pharmaceuticals and
metal & alloy products. He said that these industries to be promoted in specific
areas after considering the local advantages.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed
that final touches were being given to the state’s new industrial promotion
policy and expected that it would be announced by the January 2013. He said
that the unique aspect of this proposed policy was that it was being framed
after getting the vital inputs from different industrial representatives
besides a core advisory group comprising of 17 eminent industrialists of the
state. He said that an investor wants a congenial atmosphere along with quality
infrastructure and Punjab was all set to fulfill their aspirations as by the
end of next year ours were the first power surplus state in the country. With 2
international airports and approval of 3rd one and 5 domestic airports
we were the best air connected state in the country. Similarly, in next 3 years
every city and town of the state would be connected with 4/6 lane expressway.
He said that the state has initiated an ambitious project to upgrade the basic
infrastructure in all 142 cities and towns at the cost of Rs.10,000 crore and
the total maintenance of all infrastructure projects would be given to a single
agency that too for next 15-20 years. He said that a master plan has been
prepared for each city and town to check the trend of haphazard growth.
The Deputy Chief Minister also
highlighted the point that with the possible full port status to Attari border,
Punjab was all set to become star destination for investment as opening of
South Asia trade would rewrite the business priorities in the country. On this
occasion he also exhorted the business community to vote for such leadership
which should not be indecisive and check the trend of lingering approvals
causing inordinate delay in setting up of projects. He expressed confidence
that after a long time Union Railways Minister was from north and he would gave
priority to the northern region and clear long pending proposals for extension
of rail freight corridor up to Amritsar and other vital rail links. He exhorted
the business community to become part of Punjab government’s endeavor for rapid
industrialization of the state.
Earlier, Mr. Prabh Dass, CEO,
HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited and Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Founder Trident Group shared
their experiences with Punjab government and appreciated the full support
extended by the SAD-BJP government in setting as well as growing up of their
industries. Mr. Prabh Dass pointed out that there was great scope for
downstream industrial petrochemical sector and urged them to join hands with
Mittal HPCL Energy Limited. Mr. Gupta said that Punjabis not only enterprising
by nature they also learn and adapt the things very fast.
On this occasion, the Deputy Chief
Minister also released a report of CII-KPMG study on ‘Business opportunities in
Punjab’. Earlier, Mr. Harpal Singh, Past Chairman, CII Northern Region, briefly
outlined the opportunities and advantages available in Punjab for business
community to set up their projects. Mr. D.R. Sharma, Vice Chairman, CII Punjab
State Council proposed vote of thanks.
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