Indian states showcase development, seek diaspora investment

Several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Kerala and Punjab, Thursday showcased investment opportunities and urged the Indian diaspora to play a role in the growth and development of their respective states.

In separate presentations at the 12th edition of the annual diaspora meet - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) - here, chief ministers, ministers and senior officials of different states highlighted the need for overseas investments.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the nearly 25 million-strong diaspora spread over 100 countries have played an important role in the growth and development of India.

"In spite of being thousands of miles away, you also continue playing a crucial role in the nation-building back home," Modi said.

He also asked the diaspora to play a role in the political process of the country.

"India faces a watershed election in a few months. At this crucial juncture in our nation's history, you too should not stay back. You must be a part of the revolution taking place," he said.

Addressing a separate session, Bihar Industry Minister Renu Kumari said her state needed help from the diaspora to accelerate the development process.

She said that with a view to having industrial development and promotion in the state, the Industrial Promotion Policy 2011 has been successfully implemented.

Under this scheme, various units in Bihar have invested more than Rs.5,600 crore against which these units have been provided with various incentives to the tune of more than Rs.1,000 crore.

"Please do come and invest in Bihar. There are opportunities in all the sectors," Renu Kumari said.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also made a strong pitch for diaspora investment.

He said Kerala offers immense opportunities in sectors like information and communication technology, tourism, food and agro-processing, healthcare services, water technology and green energy, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

The state also highlighted investment opportunities in infrastructure development, ports, shipbuilding, logistics and waste management.

Kerala is at the forefront of India's socio-economic development. The state provides a highly-skilled workforce every year that has proved smarter and more productive than their counterparts elsewhere in the country, Chandy said.

Rajasthan highlighted its large mineral deposits, market access, trained manpower, lower costs, availability of land, peaceful law and order and industrial relations, offers huge advantages in comparison to other states.

In their presentation, Rajasthan officials said the state will strive to substantiate this advantage by improving availability of power, building world class highways and roads on priority.

Punjab officials, while pitching for diaspora investment, said: "Robust infrastructure, attractive policy package for industries, making Punjab the easiest place to do business, abundant talent and skills, competitive operating costs with superior quality of life, prosperous economy and an affluent consumer base, leading agricultural state, large industrial base, access to large markets and excellent industrial and labour relations."

--Indo-Asian News Serveice

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