Gaur defends Reliance entry in retail trade

Indore, Aug 23 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Commerce and Industry Minister Babulal Gaur today defended industry major Reliance's entry in retail trade of fruits and vegetables saying it would benefit the farmers by eliminating the role of middlemen.

''Retail traders would not be affected by Reliance Fresh opening stores in the state,'' he told reporters here while denying differences with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on this issue.

''The reported differences between us were creation by,'' he added.

The farmers would get remunerative price with the elimination of middlemen and better facility for transporting agriculture produce to the nearby market, the former Chief Minister said.

Elaborate arrangements were being made for the 'Global Investors Meet' here on October 26 and 27, he said, adding investment proposals for about Rs one lakh crore were expected at the meet.

About 350 to 400 investors from both India and outside were expected to attend the meet.

Roadshows conducted in different countries had helped to attract investment to the mineral-rich state, Mr Gaur said. During the last four years, investment proposals for Rs one lakh crore had been received and projects costing Rs 75,000 crore were under different stages of implementation.

Industry-friendly atmosphere prevailing in the state had helped to attract investment of Rs 39,000 crore at the Khajuraho meet, he added.

UNI