PM calls for investment-friendly climate

On Board Air India One, Dec 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged all political parties, trade unions and employers to work together for the creation of a climate for industrial relations which is also investor-friendly.

''Our country needs an investor-friendly environment. I have said that many times. It is the obligation of all the stakeholders, workers, employers, government to work together to create an investor-friendly climate,'' he told journalists accompanying him on his way back from a four-day visit to Japan.

He was responding to a question on the protests in West Bengal against a proposed project by the Tatas at Singur in the state.

''We need more investment to create more jobs. Our young people need a fast-moving economy to provide them with job opportunities, which is their right,'' he said.

''So it ges without saying that anything which comes in the way of maintaining the industrial peace constitutes a setback,'' he added.

''I hope all political parties and trade union leaders and employers' representatives will work together to create a climate for industrial relations which is at the same time investor-friendly,'' he added.

In response to a question on the pace of problems, he admitted there were problems. ''We have to carry conviction with the Left colleagues. I have not given up hope.'' UNI SA SB KN2106