Regional cooperation must for development: CM

Shimla, Mar 17 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today emphasised the need for regional cooperation among northern states and the union territory to carry development and economic activities at an accelerated pace.

''Close coordination among the northern states would help it emerge as the centre of economic and industrial activity,'' he said, while talking to a delegation of the PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) that called on him here.

Mr Singh said possibilities were also being explored to create industrial authority on the pattern of NOIDA for the planned industrial development of the industrial areas of the state.

The state had witnessed an industrial boom during last three years, he said, adding that it had attracted an investment of about 16,500 crore in the last three years.

The chief minister said since the new industrial areas had reached the saturation point, the government was encouraging entrepreneurs to set up their units in the interiors for the overall development of the state.

UNI AS DP SC KP2026