Punjab woos German companies

Ruchika M. Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 24

Punjab has been a favoured destination for investment in India by German companies. With Claas India, Sigma Freudenberg Nok (SFN) and Metro Cash and Carry, all having already made investments in the state, the Punjab Government is now banking on the experience of these companies in the state to seek fresh investment from German companies.

Punjab, which was one of the 14 states to have participated in the industrial fair at Hannover, Germany, last week, is now eyeing more investment from Germany in the areas of renewable energy, solid waste management, development of smart cities, and setting up education institutions. The state is learnt to have received a good response from the German companies, who promised the state government’s delegation to visit the state, beginning June this year.

Industries Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, who led the state government delegation to the international fair, informed The Tribune that the state showcased how German companies like combine harvestor manufacturer Claas India, auto component manufacturer SFN and Metro Cash and Carry, had expanded in the state. “The top management of Claas India led by Srinivas P. was part of the Punjab Government delegation and helped in hardselling Punjab as an attractive destination. We also spread word about the New Industrial Policy 2013,” he said.

Leading companies such as Beckooff Automation, Deutsche Messe, Biopro and Boson Energy had initial talks with the state government’s delegation, he said.

“Since most of the companies are concerned over land availability and conversion of agriculture land for industrial use, we have assured them that we are creating a land bank in New Chandigarh, especially for the new investment,” said Mittal.

The minister said they held meetings with representatives of textile, information technology, hardware, manufacturing, electronics and pharma companies not just from Germany, but across the world. He said the state delegation also met representatives of Hinduja Group and invited them to Punjab to look for opportunity to invest in the real estate sector.