Chouhan urges biz bigwigs to avail MP's concessions

Indore, Oct 26 (UNI) Showcasing Madhya Pradesh's strengths, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today urged industrialists to invest and avail its enormous opportunities and concessions.

''Those who have not yet made up their minds, should ponder again and respond positively to the state government's initiatives'' to help convert Madhya Pradesh into an industrial hub.

''Think it over again. I am going to be here for another day. It is a golden opportunity. Do not miss it. It may be now or never,'' he said while addressing a two-day Global Investors' Meet that kicked off with participation of a galaxy of business magnates.

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group Chairman Anil Ambani, M P Birla Group Chairman R S Lodha, Vardhman Group Chairman S P Oswal, ACC Managing Director Sumit Banerjee, All Cargo Global CMD Shashi Kiran Shetty, FICCI Secretary-General Amit Mitra, FICCI (Western Zone) Chairman Ramesh Agrawal, ministers and senior officers were present.

The Chief Minister listed various advantages of investing in Madhya Pradesh, saying that setting up units was more cost-effective due to economical land, cheap labour, abundant manpower and mineral resources and improved infrastructure, including power.

The government was ''committed'' to the state's prosperity and development and would put in every effort. The regime had been ''reforming'' policies in tune with aspirations of people, particularly farmers and industrialists.

''If we still find any shortcoming, we shall take action with an open mind. We believe in direct interaction with people in our endeavour to sort out problems,'' Mr Chouhan claimed.

He assured participants that his government would not be found wanting in any area. The regime would not lag behind but advance even ''faster than you (industrialists) in transforming the vision (into reality). You take the initiative and then observe our response.'' Reacting to Mr Mitra's suggestion, the Chief Minister said that the government would take steps for providing global standards in the industrial sector.

Mr Mitra called upon states to shoulder their responsibilty to help India emerge as a global leader and superpower.

UNI