South Africa and some other nations have evinced interest in investing in infrastructure, tourism and other sectors in Uttarakhand.
South African high commissioner H M Majeke, who attended the "2nd Ambassadors' Meet" which concluded here yesterday, told the organizers that his country would like to invest in infrastructure facilities like airport in the hill state. "South Africa has identified Uttarakhand as one of the important places for investments," Majeke said.
"This is very good opportunity that a country like South Africa is now ready to build airports in Uttarakhand," said Pankaj Gupta President of the Indian Association of Uttarakhand (IAU) which organized the two day business meet.
Majeke also invited chief minister Vijay Bahuguna and industrialists from Uttarakhand to visit South Africa for holding business talks. South Africa also agreed to open a diplomatic office in the hill state for which a post of minister councillor would be created. Majeke also showed keen interest in animal husbandry sector and also visited Kalsi live stock breeding centre, near here.
Georgia said it would like to develop partnership with Uttarakhand in tourism sector in the hill state which is bestowed with immense natural bounty.
The chief minister, on the other hand, invited foreign investments in sectors like health, tourism, industry and infrastructure. The state government would also chalk out an action plan to attract mega investmentsand launch a new Industrial Policy, he asserted.
Stating that the literacy rate of Uttarakhand was more than that of the country, he said that the government was giving special attention to skill development so that maximum youths should benefit from establishment of industries.Describing balanced development an important espect, he said that his government was committed towards development of basic infrastructures in backward hills and border areas.
Laying emphasis on connectivity, the chief minister said that efforts were being made in development of road, railway and air connectivity in the state. Describing hydropower and tourism as key growth drivers for the state's economy, he said that air service between Dehradun and Kathmandu was on the anvil.
“All possible facilities will be provided to the investors,” he said. Bahuguna said that development of a new industrial estate at Sitarganj in Kumaon region would propel industrial development and proposed logistic hubs would benefit industrial units at large.
