After his successful visit to France and Netherlands in April, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is likely to visit China later this month to attract investors as over 50 Chinese companies have shown interest in investments in Uttar Pradesh. A highly placed official told The Pioneer here on Friday that besides Yadav meeting officials in China he will attend a South Asian Business Sichuan Promotion Council meeting showcasing investment opportunities in UP.
As per schedule CM will lead a high level delegation to China from June 12 to 16. The delegation will attend the sixth round of global conference to be held at Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan from June 14. The meet is being organised by China council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to promote trade in China.
The three days meet will discuss on the cooperation for infrastructure development and other issues. The delegation of the CM will include UP Industrial Development Corporation, Managing Director Manoj Singh, Special Secretary in the CM Secretariat G S Naveen Kumar along with a few representatives of business houses and officials.
Yadav’s visit comes at the heel of visit of Principal Secretary, Information Navneet Sehgal’s visit to China looking for investors to finance lucknow-Ballia Highway. Sehgal, who is also CEO of UPEIDA had gone there on the invitation of Shiejie liu , deputy chairman of China-based liaoning Provincial Development and Reform Commission.
Sources claim that the Commission is ready to invest Rs 15,000 crore required for construction of lucknow-Ballia Express way, which is in fact an extension of Agra-lucknow Expressway. “The atmosphere is conducive for investments in UP. Many foreign investors have shown their willingness to finance infrastructure projects,” the official said.
An Industrial body ASSOCHAM claims that Chinese companies could invest over Rs 1 lakh crore if Government provides land for Chinese Manufacturing Zone (CMZ). Secretary General of ASSOCHAM D S Rawat said around 50 Chinese companies were in touch with the industry body for setting up of an exclusive manufacturing hub in the state, which can take advantage by offering cheap land and tax rebates.
The Secretary General said that project of Chinese companies would provide direct employment to 30,000 people and indirect employment to three lakh people. He said that it would also change the perception of the world towards UP. This would be third foreign visit of the CM in last three months. In April, the CM visit Germany and Netherlands and again in May he along with his MP wife Dimple visited France and Netherland. Now he would be visiting China in June.