Karnataka Cm Upbeat On Drawing Us Investments

New vistas seem to be opening up for Karnataka in the trade sector, with Chief Minister J H Patel leading a trade delegation abroad for opening a dialogue for new investment and inviting participation in equity finance for the states projects.

Patel, now on a foreign tour, met representatives of government of Pennsylvania led by James Seif, secretary, department of environment protection, recently and was assured of government cooperation in urban infrastructure development and environment protection, official sources said here yesterday.

While in Washington, prominent US Congressman Bob Borski lauded Karnatakas business initiative and said US expertise in infrastructural development could be collectively utilised.

Patel, however, stressed that mere signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was not sufficient and efforts should be made for implementing these projects. He invited investors participation in development of infrastructure, tourism, power and information technology.

Further, in his meeting with the World Bank executive director Surinder Singh, the Chief Minister assured speedy implementation of the Upper Krishna project.

His meeting with blue chip companies like Durco International, PepsiCo and IBM was equally fruitful, with the latter evincing keen interest in developing horticulture and food processing industries in Bijapur and Kolar disticts.