CM woos investors in Netherlands

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 15

The state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 800 crore with CM Corps to develop a golf resort and Takshinda Foundation for establishing an international skill university in Kangra district.

A release issued here today stated that both the projects are expected to start in January 2020.

The state government has also signed an MoU with ASSOCHAM Europe in the Netherlands for the expansion of agriculture, horticulture, logistic and infrastructure. ASSOCHAM Europe facilitates business between Europe and India.

Addressing the second international roadshow organised by the state government in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry at The Hague in the Netherlands yesterday, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur showcased the strengths of Himachal Pradesh, meticulously framed policies, suitable opportunities and state’s readiness to encourage investment.

Thakur said agriculture was an important area of collaboration as the Netherlands was the second largest exporter of agricultural produce in the world and known for its smart logistics, storage, and packaging technologies to increase the shelf life of products. He said it could play a vital role in Himachal for doubling food production and farmers’ income.

He said the Himachal Pradesh Government was putting up earnest efforts and budget on the renewal of apple orchards. “However, it still is no match to the Netherlands, as the per hectare yield of the Dutch apple is five times more than that of the traditional apple variety of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.

Thakur said the state government was organising its first global investors’ meet at Dharamsala in November. He said the main objective of the meet was to highlight Himachal Pradesh as a place for investment and opportunities, said the CM.

He said Himachal had immense potential for investment in agriculture, tourism, food processing, technology, healthcare, water, energy, and many more fields. The Chief Minister said the state government was keen on business with the Netherlands because the Dutch economy was open and relied strongly on international trade.

'Agriculture vital area of collaboration'

• Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said agriculture was an important area of collaboration as the Netherlands was the second largest exporter of farm produce in the world and known for its smart logistics, storage, and packaging technologies to increase the shelf life of products
• He said it could play a vital role in Himachal for doubling food production and farmers’ income