Modi leads biz delegation to China

Ahmedabad, Nov 1 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today led a high-level delegation of 35 Gujarat-based industrialists and top bureaucrats on a China tour.

Mr Modi after completing his three-day Singapore visit, left for the oldest and well-known Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Schengen in China, to take first hand stock of the progress it has made, said an official release. He also visited the gems and jewellery world mart at Panyu.

Schengen chairman Lu Rui Feng was instrumental in turning a placid Schengen on the path of rapid development within four years.

According to Mr Lu, Schengen now has the status of a super Hong Kong.

Mr Modi who was with Mr Lu for 45 minutes, invited him to attend the World Investors' Conference to be held here in January next year. Mr Lu has accepted the invitation. A delegation from Schengen Municipal Peoples government and SEZ developers will be visiting Gujarat next January.

Gujarat with rapid industrial development is now set to become SEZ capital and Mr Modi's visit is a right beginning, Mr Lu said.

He said that Schengen and Gujarat were at par in industries like ceramic, diamond, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, man-made fabrics and silk and textiles. By coming to Schengen and inviting him, Mr Modi has fulfilled his dream of visiting Gujarat, Mr Lu added.

Earlier in Singapore, Mr Modi had called on Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on October 30. He also attended Global Entrepolis Conference, where he pleaded his case forcefully to attract fresh investments into Gujarat.

In China, apart from Schengen, Modi will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Deren, Pudong and Jurong.

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