JOIN USState mulls Dialogue Panel
The decision follows the delegation headed by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s meeting with Japanese delegation comprising representation from Trade & Industry, Japan (METI), Japan & Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) and Toyota.
The Dialogue Committee, would comprise of representatives from the State and few Japanese representatives, he said, adding the inclusion of local industry representatives may be considered later, once the committee is functional.
The focus, he said was on improving infrastructure through a PPP model besides setting up manufacturing bases in Tier I & II cities in the State. The proposed bullet train project from Bangalore to Chennai will also be one of the first topics, he said.
It is understood that the Japanese representation has sought for a separate SME industrial park to promote the growth of small enterprises. The government has also made an initial suggestion that land acquired in Tumkur may be utilised for the SME park.
Investment possibilies
Meanwhile, sources told Deccan Herald that the State was having discussions with several companies to attract investment and that South Korean steel giant Posco, which has been facing opposition to its mega steel project in Orissa, has approached the government earlier this week.
They said some senior officials from the government have met top management of the company. Though, Katri declined to comment on the Posco meeting, he said the State has been in talks with J K Tyres, that recently expanded its business at Mysore and was confident of attracting further investment in a new plant. He said a lot of foreign automobile firms are also upbeat on investing in Karnataka.
Further, in the aerospace sector, a few foreign firms including one from Britain have shown interest. We will see few joint ventures through HAL, among other projects setting base in Karnataka, he added.