Rs 40,000 cr investment offer in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho (MP), Jan 16: Entrepreneurs attending the 'Investors Meet-2007'' have shown keen interest to invest about Rs 40,000 crore in power, textile, information technology, business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and construction sector in Madhya Pradesh.

Offers in this regard were made by the investors during preliminary talks with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other senior officials on the eve of the investors meet.

Industries Principal Secretary O P Rawat indicated about at least 19 memorandum of understanding for investment of about Rs 40,000 crore would be signed between the government authorities and the investors during the two-day meet.

MoUs for investment of Rs 1,000 crore in textile, software and aviation sector were signed immediately after the meet was formally inaugurated today.

Allaying apprehensions of the investors, the Chief Minister held out an assurance that 'red tapism' would not come in the way of the entrepreneurs. The government wanted to attract more investors in order to create more employment opportunities as the state had made adequate infrastructure in industrial, power and transport sectors, he told reporters here last night.

Mr Chouhan said the government also wanted to set up 'hubs' in different sectors while earmarking land for the entrepreneurs. To strike a balance, investors will also be motivated to invest near tier-II towns, where master plans would be prepared keeping in view development potential.

With about 125 investors turning up at this tourist spot, famous for temples having erotic sculptors, he claimed that the investors had responded positively to his invitation extended at the Pravasi Bharatiya Meet in New Delhi last week.

Along with Non-Resident Indians from America, Canada, Australia, Gulf and Japan, diplomats from Peru and other countries also turned up at the erstwhile capital of Chandela rulers, who built up the temples between 10th and 11th century. Representatives of Reliance and Jaipuria groups are also attending the meet at the Holiday-Inn hotel.

UNI