Chhattisgarh on Thursday sought to enhance economic co-operation with China's Henan province.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh who is currently on a week-long trip to China met Governor of Henan, Chen Runer and invited him to contribute in 'Make in India' initiative by investing in the State, officials informed.
"There are ample investment opportunities in Chhattisgarh and we seek your support in promoting economic and cultural collaboration between the two states," he said, adding that "the partnership will further strengthen Indo-China ties."
The Chief Minister said that extensive information about the industrial and urban infrastructure development of Zhengzhou by the officials of Chinese government will help Chhattisgarh in "accelerating the development journey of Naya Raipur."
Singh said Chhattisgarh and Henan have many similarities, in terms of abundance of minerals, agricultural output, manpower and the desire to provide better lifestyle to its people.
Vice Governor of Henan Zhao Jiancai, Secretary General of Henan Guo Hongchang and Chinese Consul General in India (Kolkata) Ma Zhanwu were also present at the meeting.
The Chief Minister thanked the Governor for the warm welcome and invited him to visit Chhattisgarh.
Singh also appreciated Chinese Consul General in India (Kolkata) Ma Zhanwu efforts in coordinating the visit to Henan. Accepting the Chief Minister's invitation, Governor of Henan Chen Runer said that he will be happy to lead a delegation from Henan to Chhattisgarh as such interactions boost partnership between the two states.
The high- level delegation comprising Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, Housing and Environment department Principal Secretary Aman Kumar Singh and Commerce and Industries department Secretary Subodh Singh is accompanying the Chief Minister on his week-long China tour.
The Chief Minister's China visit is already being seen as an effort to capitalize on the interest shown by the Chinese investors earlier to set up industrial projects and enter into technical collaborations with Indian companies in Chhattisgarh, officials informed.
It may be recalled that China had expressed keen interest in extending support to Chhattisgarh government for developing India's 'logistics Hub' in the State in January this year.
Notably, State Commerce and Industry Minister Amar Agrawal had suggested Consul General of People's Republic of China MA Zhanwu (Kolkata) while on a visit to Chhattisgarh in January that owing to its location in the heart of the country, Chhattisgarh State can be developed as 'logistics Hub of India'.
The Consul General had then assured that China will encourage its industrialists to extend support in development of Chhattisgarh as 'logistics Hub' of India.