The investors from India and abroad have shown keen interest in establishing industrial units in diversified fields like Solar Energy, Air Taxi Services and Food Park sector in Himachal Pradesh, said Himachal Industry Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday.
He said that the two days Investors Meet in New Delhi provided a fruitful platform for entrepreneur and industrialists where they could discuss on all the aspects of incentives and opportunities for establishing industries in Himachal Pradesh.
The State Government has industrial friendly atmosphere and the process of establishing industries has been simplified. The State Government in a decision has freezed rates of electricity for industries till 2018, said the Minister adding that this decision will give tremendous boost to the industry, as electricity is, raw material and basic necessity of the industry.
He said that along-with tremendous scope for hydro power industry in the State, industrialists in solar sector have also approached Himachal, for establishing units, in this fast emerging sector. Noted industrial house, ‘Green Mantra’ has shown interest, in the field of solar energy, in the State.
“The State is known as the hub of pharmaceutical units. large number of investors has shown interest in production of bulk drugs in the State. This sector is going to attract sizeable investment in the State” said Agnihotri.
The Minister reiterated the demand of the state for granting central package of incentives to Industry, in Himachal Pradesh.
He said the State Government is giving many incentives and assistance to industry, at its own level, to attract more industry, in the state. Himachal is power surplus state and there is scope, for establishing many industrial units on water as resource, as quality of water is very good as per the indicators.
Aero-Air Craft has also shown interest in air services from Shimla to Delhi, Uber in taxi operation and many more in film and food processing sector.
The Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while addressing the investors during last evening had said that state's track record in industrial relations has been excellent with practically no man hours lost during the last few years, which was best in the region.
Virbhadra Singh had said that the State has comparatively higher per capita income of Rs1,04,943 at current prices and as regards social indicators, our literacy rate of 82.82 percent is highest in the region. Our per capita public expenditure on general education, at Rs1,391 is amongst one of the highest in the country, he added.
“These statistics, besides indicating the stage of our economic growth will also leave no doubt about our commitment to continuously upgrade the social infrastructure in our state, which we believe is a prime motivator in attracting investments in any region”, the Chief Minister had said.