City’s can-do attitude lures investors, says Swedish envoy

The state's business-friendly attitude and superior work ethics in Bengaluru serve as a natural magnet for investors, Swedish Ambassador to India Klas Molin said.

Speaking exclusively to Deccan Herald, Molin said: "The credit goes to the state government for its policies. I know that the general lifestyle, climate and schools, among others, are very agreeable in Bengaluru."

Ambassador Molin also heaped praises on the business attitude in India's IT capital. "The business attitude is very important. The 'can-do' attitude is emblematic of this region."

"There's a critical mass of Swedish companies here for many years. That is, of course, important, too. It has been proven to be a good place to do business," the ambassador added. The city has 70 companies from the Nordic country, including the Volvo bus company.

In the past three years, the state has seen a steady increase in investment proposals, which stood in excess of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for 2016 and 2017. The state also topped the list of investment proposals in the country, garnering Rs 74,776 crore till March.

Between April 2000 and March 2017, Karnataka lured $22.37 billion, and in FY 2017 alone, it attracted $5.2 billion.

Molin said he also met the management team of the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) to discuss collaboration opportunities in the new terminal project.

The country's third largest airport — Kempegowda International Airport — is set to raise about $2 billion for a new terminal and runway, expected to become functional in three years.