Govt will foster robust industrial ecosystem via reforms: Chauhan

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Himachal Pradesh, hosted the CII Himachal Pradesh Economic Summit 2025 in Shimla under the theme “Rebuilding a Resilient Himachal Pradesh: From Recovery to Enduring Prosperity.” The summit convened policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders to strategise on fostering sustainable development, bolstering economic resilience and unlocking long-term opportunities for the state.

Minister for Industries, Labour and Employment Harshwardhan Chauhan presided over the summit. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a robust industrial ecosystem through proactive reforms and industry-government collaboration. He emphasised the CII’s pivotal role in driving economic progress. “Due to severe financial constraints that place immense pressure on our state to meet essential obligations like the payment of salaries and other liabilities, we face significant limitations in funding critical developmental initiatives. We are actively streamlining administrative and operational processes to enhance efficiency," he added.

Additional Chief Secretary RD Nazeem said that the state stood at a pivotal juncture with immense potential for economic growth tempered with challenges like infrastructure deficits and regulatory complexities. "By fostering a collaborative ecosystem and leveraging innovation, we can transform these challenges into opportunities, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive economic landscape for the state," he added.

Chairman of the CII (Himachal Chapter) Deepan Garg prioritised resilient and ecological infrastructure that could withstand environmental and economic challenges. “By integrating green technologies and robust systems, we aim to create a foundation for enduring growth that balances development with the preservation of our unique natural heritage,” he added.

The summit underscored the need to overcome key challenges to establish Himachal Pradesh as a premier investment destination. Enhanced infrastructure, including better road, rail and air connectivity, was identified as a cornerstone for boosting tourism and supporting industrial expansion.