'70 Chinese firms show interest in state'

Brushing aside opposition’s criticism of his China trip, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa today claimed his tour was a “success” and many companies have evinced interest to invest in the state.

“As far as development is concerned, my trip to China is a success. I have met heads of 70 companies and many have evinced interest to invest in Karnataka,” he told reporters here on his return.

The trip came under fire from Congress and JD(S) which flayed Yeddyurappa for embarking on it when the state is facing drought in several parts. He said he would visit a few more countries ahead of the Global Investors Meet slated for January 10 and 11, here to lure investors.

"Certain development models I witnessed in Beijing and Shanghai would be implemented in the state," Yeddyurappa, who led a team of ministers and officials to China, said.

Prior to the just concluded tour, the BJP government has so far sent over 200 farmers to China on a study tour in three batches.