Hu to encourage Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 23 (UNI) Chinese President Hu Jintao today said entrepreneurs from china would be encouraged to invest in Maharashtra and Mumbai.

Talking to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh over lunch, hosted by the latter in his honour, Mr Hu assured the Chief Minister of providing all guidance in developing Mumbai on the lines of Shanghai.

In an official release issued here, Mr Hu said India and China were friends since long and and it got strengthened due to Dr Kotnis's contribution to China.

''Dr Kotnis was the symbol of India-China friendship,'' he added.

He said several Chinese projects were functional in Maharashtra especially in Mumbai and added Chinese entrepreneurs would be encouraged to invest. Mr Hu also appreciated the efforts of the Maharashtra government for the development of Mumbai.

Mr Deshmukh Also gave information on various developmental projects in Mumbai and said that Maharashtra has attracted eight billion dollar investment.

He also said due to 71 special economic zones, Maharashtra would progress in industries and added China was an deal for them.

Mr Deshmukh also informed the visiting President about 'Bollywood' and added it was one of the big industries of the country.

The luncheon meeting was attended by Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Shivajirao Deshmukh, Leader of Opposition Pandurang Phundkar, Finance Minister Jayant Patil, Industrialists- Venugopal Dhoot, Dr Vijaypat Singhania, Sarojkumar Podar, Vijay Kalantri, S Ramadorai, Loksatta Editor Kumar Ketkar, Chief Secretary Dr D K Sankaran, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Johny Joseph, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister-Umeshchandra Sarangi and Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy.

Immediately after lunch, Mr Hu left for Islamabad.

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