16 January,2024 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Eknath Shinde/ File Photo
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has headed for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), expressing excitement about the state's potential for international branding. Shinde emphasised the possibilities for Maharashtra's growth and development through the event, which brings together global leaders.
According to the report in ANI, reflecting on Maharashtra's participation in the 2023 WEF, Shinde emphasised the successful completion of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 1,37,000 crore, which has resulted in significant employment in the state. Shinde emphasised the good impact on both urban and rural areas, which will support industry expansion, as he anticipates larger-scale agreements and execution in 2024.
CM Shinde told ANI, "This is a big chance for Maharashtra, as Maharashtra will get a chance for branding and showcasing at the international level at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where people from all over the world come. Prominent people come, heads of the country come, and there is a huge opportunity for Maharashtra."
He added, "Last time also, MoUs were signed worth Rs 1,37,000 crores. There was a 76 per cent conversion, and execution took place. This time too, there is a lot of hope that more MoUs will be signed than last year, and its conversion execution will also be done on a large scale. This will bring industry not only to big cities but also to rural areas of the state, and everyone will get employment."
"The industry will progress. Before our government came, our state had reached the third-fourth spot. However, as soon as our government was formed, our state became number one in FDI. The respected Prime Minister's dream of 5 trillion dollars goes through Maharashtra. We have set a target of Rs 1 trillion in Maharashtra," CM Shinde was quoted as saying in ANI report.
Shinde emphasised Maharashtra's attraction to investors, citing infrastructure, connectivity, and trained labour. He remarked that Maharashtra's liberal industry policy makes it a desirable location for businesses, the report added.
Uday Samant, Minister of Industries, reiterated this sentiment, anticipating that the state will receive the most investment following the signing of historical MoUs. He told the media, "Under the leadership of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, we are departing for the World Economic Forum at Davos. I can assure you that under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra will get the highest investment and historical MOUs will be signed. What investment we will be getting will be revealed after we come back from there."
The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will focus on trust-building principles such as transparency and accountability. The event will bring together government officials, international organisations, forum partners, and other leaders to debate important economic concerns.
