Aiming to attract investments to the Northern region states of the country, industry body CII is organising the 'Invest North' conclave here next week.
The conclave, to be held on July 24 and 25, assumes significance as it is the first mega event aimed at attracting investments since the formation of Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
"The conclave is a platform for state governments in the North to engage with existing and potential investors to talk about what the opportunities are, to discuss and understand some of their concerns, their additional requirements which will make them invest," Chairman of CII Invest North Malvinder Mohan Singh told reporters here.
"We are engaging with potential investors for bringing them in, as in bringing fresh investments into the Northern region states. Clearly, there is a huge opportunity in terms of infrastructure, manufacturing and services," he added.
According to CII, some of the key sectors for investment in Northern states are infrastructure, manufacturing, agro-processing, aerospace, healthcare, auto & auto components, tourism, renewable energy, defence production, engineering, R&D, power, textiles, IT & ITES.
The conclave this year will witness participation from five Northern states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Rajasthan and one Union Territory Delhi.
"The northern states are keen to seek fresh investments and forge new partnerships that would enable them to further leverage their growth potential and regain their competitiveness," Singh said.
Key projects to be showcased in Invest North 2014 include 7 Industrial townships across Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) which could be a USD 110 Billion opportunity; Smart Cities project; Industrial Labour Housing projects; textiles; healthcare; tourism circuits; Bus Rapid Transit Systems; integrated townships and industrial parks, among others.
"Invest North aims to address some of the limiting factors, enhance ease of doing business, share best practices and portray north as a preferred investment location with a large market base and significant resources, backed by conducive investment policies," said Richard Rekhy, Co-Chairman of CII Invest North & CEO, KPMG India.
Deputy Chairman of CII Northern Region Shreekant Somany said: "This conclave is to understand the investment climate in Northern states, engaging with the state governments and Central agencies, forging new partnerships and exploring business and investment opportunities".
