PHDCCI lays out Uttaranchal plan

Outlining a three-pronged strategy for the economic development of Uttaranchal, PHDCCI today stressed a comprehensive development plan needed to be identified to achieve growth in the economic and social spheres for the benefit of the state.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the PHDCCI's Centenary Partnership Summit in Dehra Dun, PHDCCI President K N Memani said keeping in view the inherent strengths of the state, both the government and private entrepreneurs should chalk out a road map for growth, by putting in place sectoral development plans that jell with the comprehensive plan.

With the special incentive package already in place, the strategy would inter alia include identifying high-potential areas for competitiveness, plugging gaps hindering business viability, and supporting private initiatives for the economic growth of the state.

"The challenge is to harness the identified yet untapped potential of the identified sectors and create adequate forward and backward linkages to ensure sustainable economic development. Furthermore, substantial attention needs to be paid to the development of basic infrastructure facilities to ensure rapid industrial growth in the state," Memani said.

Memani said there existed tremendous potential for the growth and development of tourism, horticulture, diversified agriculture, hydro electricity, information technology and biotechnology with vast scope for attracting private sector participation and investments both at national and international level.

The diversification of agriculture into high-value produce of horticulture crops should be the state's strategy, he said adding emphasis must be given to high value crops such as vegetables, medicinal plants, fruits, mushroom etc. in and around Dehra Dun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar where cropping is high.

Referring to key drivers to promote tourism, Memani called for providing modern infrastructure facilities in the state which include widening of Delhi-Dehra Doon highway into four lane.

"The Uttaranchal government must concentrate on building modern infrastructure if it really wants to boost tourism," he said. The government should also focus on airports, roads, and civil infrastructure, he said.

PHDCCI chief also asked the government to attract foreign investments to the core sectors by positioning Uttaranchal premier destination for returns on investments based on harnessing the natural potential in biotechnology, IT, and research and development. "PHDCCI is committed to partner with the state to conduct investment and road shows in India and other countries," he said.

Stating that Uttaranchal has approximately 20000 MW power potential, he said there is need to build long-term private partnership in the field as well as private investments.