Hooda woos investors to Haryana with FDI in retail, land reforms

He was speaking at the World Economic Forum

Haryana may be in the eye of a storm over Robert Vadra’s land deal with real estate company DLF, but the state today tried to woo foreign investors by highlighting its land reform policies and the decision to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.

At the World Economic Forum here today Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the recent land pooling scheme by his government would ensure that farmers and land owners not only get the maximum benefit but also a fair share in the development projects.

“Our government has always been responsive to the needs and aspirations of the farmers and land owners. It is with this key priority in view that we notified our landmark Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy,” he said in his address at the closing session.
 
While some states have opposed FDI in multi-brand retail, which recently got Cabinet approval after a lot of flip-flop by the Centre, Haryana has given its approval for the same.
 
“Haryana is one of the few states that have agreed to the FDI in retail. We expect that the move will benefit the farmers, consumers and entrepreneurs, apart from building up the rural infrastructure through cold chains, food processing centres, warehouses etc,” Hooda said.
 
He highlighted state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry-friendly policies, responsive administration, law & order and abundant skilled manpower made the state a preferred destination for industrial investment. He did not forget to mention metro connectivity from Gurgaon to Delhi and Noida.
 
Haryana saw average annual growth rate of 9.4 percent in the past seven years and contributes roughly 3.4% to the country’s GDP. As per a recent Assocham report, 87% of the total investments received in Haryana are from the private sector. An earlier report said Haryana achieved 81 per cent implementation rate of the pledged investments, ahead of States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
 
“A number of infrastructure initiatives have been planned under the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project, which will throw up huge investment opportunities. The industrial infrastructure in the state is being strengthened through development of new Industrial Model Townships and Industrial Estates and expansion of the existing estates. Niche parks such as the Food Parks, IT Parks etc., are being developed under the cluster development strategy,” Hooda said.
 
He also boasted of performance by players on Haryana in London Olympics 2012 where they bagged four out of six medal won by India. Education and health were other two areas he highlighted as potential sectors for the private sector to invest.
 
Hooda urged the industry to forge an intellectual alliance of right minded people to fight the menace of negativity and cynicism.