"Make use of excellent business opportunities"

Mr M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu handing over the first copy of the book `Advantage Tamil Nadu' to Mr Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore, in the presence of Mr Rajeev Ranjan (extreme left), Industries Secretary, Govt of Tamil Nadu and Mr M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council, at a function, in Chennai on Tuesday. Photo : Bijoy Ghosh

Cumulative investment in the State will touch Rs.60,000 crore by the end of the current fiscal, of which investment worth Rs.9,000 crore is currently under various stages of finalisation, according to Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Addressing members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here on Tuesday at the launch of a book, ‘Advantage Tamil Nadu,' he said though Tamil Nadu had emerged as one of the fastest growing States in the country, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's vision was to make it a leader in all spheres of development.

The government had announced a special package to woo industries to southern districts and firms such as Videocon, Sundareshwarar Alloys and Steels Private Ltd and ATC Tires showed interest in investing there.

Golden era

“The period from July 2006 to December 2009 can be termed ‘the golden era of industrialisation' in the history of industrial development of Tamil Nadu. This was achieved in spite of the severe global slowdown. The Chief Minister's vision is to make Tamil Nadu the global manufacturing hub. I will not rest till the vision is realised,” he said.

Calling upon the captains of the Indian industry to make use of the excellent business opportunities, he said Tamil Nadu was ranked number one in the manufacture of textile products, paper and paper products, second in manufacture of machinery and equipment and motor vehicles and third in terms of total invested capital, gross industrial output and net value addition in factories sector. Receiving the first copy of the book, Singapore Consul General in Chennai Ajit Singh said Tamil Nadu was home to a large number of Singapore firms. It scored over others on three factors – connectivity, availability of skilled manpower and enabling and conducive working environment.

FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council president M. Rafeeque Ahmed said the book showcased the strength of the industries and businesses in Tamil Nadu, provided answers to why Tamil Nadu was shaping to be the gateway of the world and highlighted the domestic home grown brands, other Indian and foreign brands among other things.