The Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has said all requisite infrastructure is being developed in 20 new industrial areas to accelerate the establishment of industries.  Interacting with heads of major industries, investors and executives of US companies in New York on the third day of his US visit on Tuesday, Chouhan said that industrial development of Madhya Pradesh is on the fast track.

Referring to visible changes in the last one decade, he said that Madhya Pradesh has become the first choice of investors. He said that the State Government honours investors as partners in the process of development. Minister for Industries Rajendra Shukla and senior officials were present.

Welcoming investors to Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan assured them that there would be no hurdles. The

State Government intends to give the young manpower opportunities of growth through industrial development.  For the purpose they are being equipped with skills and oriented for entrepreneurship. Chouhan invited the prospective investors to the Global Investors' Summit to be held at Indore in October.

The Chief Minister held discussions about expansion of companies in the State in sectors like education, Information technology, public service, construction engineering and biotechnology.

The Arceus Infotech Private limited has shown interest in setting up a development centre in Bhopal. The US Technology International Private limited expressed

willingness to invest `400 crore for setting up an IT campus in Bhopal. The US major in IT and food sector, the lT Foods, and its vendors are also willing to invest.

The International Research laboratories Pvt ltd is also willing to expand its operation in the State to address cataract blindness as a key player in the global blindness eradication campaign, 'Help Me See'.

 The RMC, USA, which deals in building materials for the construction of residential and commercial supplies also showed interest. The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin held discussion on widening its network in Madhya Pradesh.

The chairman of the US-India Business Council, Mukesh Aghi, met the

Chief Minister and discussed the future strategies to enhance trade between US and India.

The Council was formed for trade collaboration between the Governments of the US and India. The USIBC is the largest bilateral trade

organisation, which includes representatives of the American and Indian companies.

Addressing the 'Friends of MP' Forum, Chouhan said that the Madhya Pradesh Government formed it for development of the people seeking value-based citizen participation.

This initiative, he said, intends to bring at one place the knowledge, expertise and people.  It helps the NRIs to stay connected to their homeland. Also, it serves as a useful platform where friends of Madhya Pradesh and policy-makers can join hands.