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The Chief Ministers of six States showcased the potential of their respective states to the delegates for their investments at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas-2006. The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Bihar, Maharashtra and J&K were present along with representatives of Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Opening the first plenary session of the day, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission said that in the last 10 to 15 years the contribution of non-resident Indians to the nation’s development has been rapidly increasing. He called upon the state governments to introduce reforms in various sectors in order to attract investments.

Making a power-point presentation, Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary-General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said India figures high on the investor confidence grades globally and is becoming attractive destination for the foreign direct investments. “Around 70 per cent foreign companies in the country are making profits from their Indian operations and about 84 per cent foreign companies are planning further expansion of their activities”, he said. Saying that the demographic dividend is the core competency of our country, he urged the state governments to take up further reforms in the infrastructure and labour laws as they hold the key to a higher and sustainable growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said that, recognizing the importance of infrastructure for tapping the outsourcing business both in manufacturing and IT sector, the State is developing the Coastal Corridor between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada by promoting Special Economic Zones. “The State has been very proactive and outgoing in the promotion of IT industry. The software exports from the State have registered a growth of 64 per cent in the year 2004-05 as against the national growth rate of 34 per cent. The State Government is also developing infrastructure for promotion of IT industry in tier-two locations like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Warangal etc.”, he said. Describing Andhra Pradesh as an investor-friendly state, Dr. Reddy said that the government is providing clearances at single point through Industrial Single-Window Clearance Act.

Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, said that the State gets the highest inflows of Foreign Direct Investments. Informing that as many as 11 Special Economic Zones have been approved in Gujarat, Shri Modi said the Government has introduced the Infrastructure Development Act to provide an option of international competitive bidding and provide a level-playing field. Saying that Gujarat is celebrating 2006 as Tourism Year, Shri Modi appealed to each NRI to send at least five foreigners to visit Gujarat during the year.

Shri Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, said that his State is the first one in the country to set up a separate Ministry for the welfare of the non-resident Keralites. Emphasising the need to provide reliable and affordable travel facilities to our people living abroad, he said that the State Government has decided to have its own Airlines. He expressed happiness that the Government of India has responded positively to his plea to provide voting rights to the NRIs of Gulf countries.

Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, said that his government is planning a slew of measures to invite investments from NRIs. Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, called for a coordinated approach by various state governments to attract foreign investments for the country. Shri Gulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, said that there are great opportunities for setting up more agro and horticulture based industries in the State as the state possesses an abundance of natural resources. He said that the state government is committed to improve the work culture and streamline the procedures with a view to making the State an investor-friendly.

Shri P.G.R. Sindhia, Finance Minister of Karnataka, the Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu and Shri Narpat Singh Rajvi, Industries Minister of Rajasthan also addressed the gathering and highlighted the relative advantages of investing in their respective states.

AK/SP/KSR/CHT
(Release ID :14823)