State moots dedicated cluster for Japanese firms

Even as the BJP government proposes a dedicated cluster for the Japanese companies in CM Nayab Singh Saini’s home turf, Naraingarh, in Ambala district, the Honda Company is evincing keen interest in the industrially backward district in the northern part of the state.

A proposal for the setting of the cluster was mooted by Saini during a meeting with representatives of Japanese firms in Gurugram in September. The cluster is set to be a part of the industrial township at Naraingarh, which is being developed as part of the 10 industrial model townships (IMT) across the state to give a boost to investment, a senior functionary of the state government told 'The Tribune'.

He said Saini was “personally inclined” to set up the cluster at his hometown as the area was behind in industrial development as compared to the National Capital Region (NCR), where major Japanese firms have already set up manufacturing facilities.

It is learnt that the Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HSMI) has evinced “keen interest” in setting up shop at Naraingarh. Honda already has a significant presence in Haryana with its Manesar plant, established in 2001. This facility is a large-scale production hub for Honda motorcycles and scooters, designed for both domestic demand and exports.

Besides Honda, the Gurugram meeting with the CM was attended by representatives of several top firms, including ROKI UNO Minda; Denso, Yokohama and Mitsui Kinzoku Components.

The broad contours of the investment proposals are likely to be discussed during Saini’s October 5-12 visit to Japan, where he is likely to meet top industrialists to boost investment in the state. The proposal to set up the cluster at Naraingarh will be aggressively marketed during his visit. A team of senior officials of the industries and commerce department is already in Japan to prepare the ground for the CM's visit.

Naraingarh is strategically located close to Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, and setting up of the cluster will significantly boost industrial development in the region.

Over 7,000 acres have already been registered on e-Bhoomi portal for industrial development across the state. Meanwhile, fresh proposals have been invited to acquire 35,500 acres from land owners for upcoming industrial and infrastructure projects in Haryana.

Why Naraingarh

• CM Nayab Saini ‘personally inclined’ to develop Naraingarh as major industrial hub

• Has good road, rail connectivity, and is about 60 km from Chandigarh Airport

• Close proximity to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab