Thanks to Coimbatore’s manufacturing and export capabilities, it is among the well-known Indian cities abroad. Now, with its Smart Cities plans, several countries are looking at Coimbatore to extend their technical expertise. In the recent weeks, several trade delegations, high level diplomats, and business visitors have come to the city to hold talks with industrial bodies and officials.
Foreign countries are ready to give technical inputs to improve infrastructure here. This does relate to direct benefits for the trade and industry. However, when projects are implemented under the Smart Cities programme, the industry here is likely to see orders, new partnerships, buyers, etc., says D. Nanda Kumar, president of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore
In the case of business visitors, they come to Coimbatore after knowing about its strengths. But, at the ground level, ease of doing business needs to improve and land banks should be made available so that the city attracts investments, he says.
Foreign delegates and visitors do spend some time, visiting places of interest and shopping after their business meetings. But, Coimbatore does not have a well-structured day tour package to showcase its history and culture. There are not many souvenirs too that speak of Coimbatore.
The museums, institutions, and land marks should be identified and a half day or one day tour should be put in place. In foreign countries, as a part-time job, even senior citizens turn into guides for tourists. Such opportunities should be promoted here too. The shopping areas should also be projected so that the local trade benefits, say industry sources here.
(Reporting by M. Soundariya Preetha)
