Uttarakhand CM meets South African Prez, seeks investments

Apprises Zuma of investment opportunities and presents him with memento of Uttarakhand

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna during his week-long visit to South Africa held meetings with South African President Jacob Zuma and other prominent leaders and called for investments in Uttarakhand.

Bahuguna also attended the 106th conference of the African National Congress (ANC) and had an exclusive half an hour meeting with the South African President at Bloemfontien. During the meeting, Bahuguna apprised Zuma of the investment opportunities offered by the hill state and also presented him with a memento of Uttarakhand.

Both the leaders shared their experiences of democratic societies and struggle faced by their people for liberation and independence. Zuma expressed his gratitude to the Indian people and government for always supporting South African solidarity and playing an important   role in anti-apartheid movement.

 

Bahuguna also conveyed Christmas and New Year greetings to Zuma on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. 

Earlier, Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta hosted a dinner in honour of Bahguna in Pretoria where prominent Indian Businessmen were also present.  Bahuguna took the opportunity to invite the Indian Business community for investment in Uttarakhand.

He elaborated his Government commitment for overall development of the State which is also called “Switzerland of the East”.  He elaborated upon the opportunities being offered by his government in the proposed Sitarganj Industrial estate which is also known as “the SIDCUL Phase 2” and a revised hill policy for industries.

He also presented literature related to the investment opportunities and achievements of his Government during last 9 months and also a Coffee Table Book to the Indian High Commissioner.  The Indian High Commissioner assured Bahuguna that he would try his best to attract investments for Uttarakhand from South Africa.

In a luncheon meeting with Premier of Free State Province of South Africa Ace Magashule, at Bloemfontien, Bahuguna invited the Premier to visit Uttarakhand and explained to Indian businessmen the benefits of investing in Uttarakhand as an attractive destination in India. 

Bahuguna also held meetings with the top leaders of the ANC and dignitaries from across South Africa including   Ramaphosa Cyril, Baleka Mbete,  Mantashe Gwede,  Duarte Jessie,  Mkhize Zweli.