Sunday, August 5, 2012

Haryana CM favours FDI in retail sector

by Haryananewswire (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, AUG 5
Haryana Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said that he favoured Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector as it would benefit the farming class and it should be left to the state Governments to decide on its implementation in their states.
            Mr Hooda, who was in Kolkata today was replying to questions of members of the Chambers during an ‘Interactive Session’ on ‘Investment Opportunities in Haryana’. The function was organised by MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kolkata. 
                While strongly advocating for FDI in retail sector, Mr Hooda said that FDI would get better prices of the farm produces to the farmers and he himself  being a son of a farmer,   knew that the prices, which the farmers get were not adequate. “My clear view is that FDI in retail is in farmers interest and It should be left to the states to decide on its implementation”added Mr Hooda. 
            Earlier while addressing an Interactive Session on  ‘Investment Opportunities in Haryana’ organised by MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Kolkata at Kolkata today ,Mr Hooda said that the State has achieved 81 per cent implementation rate of pledged investments, which is ahead of States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 
              Mr. Hooda said, “We are planning a number of infrastructure initiatives under the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project – which is a project of international magnitude”.
              The Chief Minister said that professional and academic world is commenting on Haryana’s growth story. As per the report of Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy(CMIE) for the year 2007, Haryana achieved the top position in terms of per capita investment. As per INDIA TODAY’s State of the States study report of 2011, Haryana is ranked as the top State in ‘Most improved big State’ - Health and Education Sector categories. The State has recently bagged the most competitive State award 2012 in the category of ‘Most Innovation Driven Economies’ conferred by the Institute for Competitiveness and Mint.
              He said that though geographically a small state, yet Haryana contributes nearly 3.4 per cent to the national GDP. With per capita income of Rs. 1.09 lakh during    2011-12, it occupies the top position amongst the major states of the country. Haryana offers unique competitive advantage vis-à-vis other states of the country and has emerged as a preferred investment destination among the domestic and foreign investors, he added. 
            While highlighting growth story of Haryana, he said that from being primarily an agrarian state, Haryana has come a long way since its formation and has found its rightful place on the global industrial map. While agriculture continues to be its mainstay, it is now an industrial giant and has emerged as an ideal location for industrialists and investors alike. 
The state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, industry-friendly policies, responsive administration, peaceful law and order situation and abundant skilled manpower make it a preferred destination for setting up of industry and enterprise.  
            Mr. Hooda said that Haryana has registered an average annual growth rate of 6.4 per cent from 1966-67 to   2004-05 whereas during the last seven years, from 2005 onwards, the State economy grew at an excellent average annual growth rate of 9.4 percent, much higher than the rate of growth of the Indian economy which was 8.4 per cent.  The exports from Haryana have crossed Rs. 48,530 crore during the year 2010-11. Apart from this, the State has catalysed an investment of about Rs. 61,000 crore since 2005 and investments of about Rs. 97,000 crore are in the pipeline. In addition, the State has more than 1,000 projects with foreign technical and financial collaborations. Multi-national companies such as Siemens, ABB, Suzuki, GE, Honda, Smithkline Beecham, JCB, Mitsubishi, IBM, Yokohama, Alcatel, Perfetti, Barco, Norcool, Johnson Matthey, Becton Dickinson, Caparo, Harley Davidson and Hollister have their proud presence in Haryana.
              The Chief Minister said, we are ensuring adequate power supply, water supply and provide effective logistics support to industry. The Global Corridor, known as KMP (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) expressway will facilitate seamless connectivity to Haryana. Its 135 kms long route offers new opportunities of development. 
                 Mr. Hooda said that the Industrial and Investment Policy of 2011 facilitates promotion of investment in  the State. In order to provide a level playing field, the State had simplified rules and procedures and fixed timelines for clearances so as to improve efficiency and transparency through the Haryana Industrial Promotion Act, 2005. 
          He said that Haryana was one of the first States to come out with a comprehensive and progressive Labour Policy. Any vision for growth remains a mere pipe-dream unless it is supported by good governance and political will. We have an excellent track record on the law and order front with one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The work force in Haryana is diligent and hard working. The number of mandays lost on the industrial front in Haryana is one of the lowest in the country. 
           Mr. Hooda said that the state government had always been sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the farmers and land owners whose land is acquired for various developmental projects. ‘Our landmark Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy has been emulated by other States as well. The policy provides for Annuity to land-owners for 33 years over and above land compensation. Now Government launched land pooling scheme ensuring an opportunity to the landowners to become partners in the process of development and gain optimum benefits, he further added.

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