Western India hot destination for corporate investment

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) said in its report, "Investment Prospects in Indian Economy in 2008-09", that the western region comprising Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Daman and Diu attracted planned investments worth Rs.305,057 crore last year.

The southern region came second with investments worth Rs.229,740 crore, while the share of north stood at Rs.215,315 crore, the report said.

The eastern region attracted Rs.168,023 crore in planned investments last year, while the central and northeastern regions' share stood at Rs.95,012 crore and Rs.30,145 crore respectively, Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said.

In the western region, Gujarat notched the top position with industrial proposals worth Rs.207,660 crore. It was followed by Maharashtra (Rs.96,051 crore), Union Territory of Daman and Diu (Rs.1,000 crore) and Goa (Rs.345 crore).

"Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Daman and Diu have introduced investor friendly policies; they enjoy apt geographical location with good connectivity both nationally and internationally attracting investors," Rawat said in the report.