Naxalism won''t be problem for investors in Chhattisgarh: Raman

Gandhinagar, Jan 12 (PTI) Inviting investors to set upventures in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Raman Singh todaysaid Naxalism will not pose a problem for those who want to dobusiness in the mineral-rich state.

"Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest-growing states andis second-largest in mineral resources. It had highest GDPgrowth rate of 11.49 per cent amongst the states in thecountry," he said, addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS)for investors here.

"Despite being a Naxal-affected and a young state(formed in 2000), we have progressed well. In the next 10years, Chhattisgarh will among the top three states in termsof development," the BJP leader said.

"For those wanting to invest in Chhattisgarh, Naxalismwould not be a problem. Only a small part of Bastar region insouth Chhattisgarh is infested with Naxalism," Singh said.

The tribal dominated State''s BJP Government is dealingwith the Naxal issue, he said.

The CM said they were not eyeing investment in coresectors like mining, steel, cement or power. "We has iron ore,bauxite, water, power, cement and skilled manpower. The stateis rich in mines and minerals. We have now stopped investmentin these core sectors."

"We want investment in sectors like automobiles, heavyengineering and mineral-based industries," Singh said, addingChhattisgarh was the best destination for investment in India.

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Chhatisgarh Chief Secretary P Joy Oommen said with its large iron and steel market, presence of modern casting andfabricating units and availability of high qualityuninterrupted power, the state could become an ideal locationfor automobile or automotive component manufacturingfacilities.

Power generation would also have huge potentialconsidering the large number of power and mining projectsproposed or under implementation in the state, he added.

Oommen further said ''Naya Raipur'', the proposed newcapital of Chhatisgarh, also would be a potential destinationfor investment in infrastructure projects.