Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates in India met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on WEdnesday and discussed potential investment opportunities in the State. The Chief Minister invited the UAE to invest in key sectors including Tourism and Hospitality, Green Energy, Dairy, Food Processing and Data Storage.

Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh offers unique investment opportunities as it has breathtaking landscapes including vast snow bound areas, hills and water bodies. To enhance tourism infrastructure, the State Government is developing multiple ropeways, expanding Kangra Airport, constructing new four lanes and heliports to improve connectivity to the visitors which would make Himachal a favourite destination for investment.

Ambassador UAE evinced keen interest to invest in the tourism sector particularly adventure sports and skiing. He said that UAE has already identified potential locations for investment in the State and welcomed suggestions from the State Government for additional sites.

Sukhu said that Himachal is on track to become a Green Energy State by next year.  Over the last two years, the present State Government has taken significant steps to protect the environment of the State and harness the green energy. These initiatives include setting up of new solar power projects, developing six green corridors and converting the entire State owned diesel buses to e-buses in a phased manner. He said that Himachal Pradesh has 25 percent of the hydro power generation potential of the country and has tremendous opportunities to invest in green energy including solar energy and pump storage projects.