The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab was all set to develop area specific industrial clusters to develop industry according to the strengths of that specific region . Presiding over a special state session ‘Investment opportunities in Punjab’ during the Invest North Conclave being organized by CII here today, the Deputy Chief Minister threw the ball in the courts of investors by showcasing the unique initiatives of the state government, right from developing world class infrastructure in the form of surplus power, best air connectivity in the country, road network besides explaining governance reforms like getting rid of outdated laws making interaction of public with government officers a pleasant experience. He said that Punjab government was fully committed to attract at least Rs.1 lac crore investment in the state in coming 4 years and said that the major investment sectors would be textile, agro processing, information technology, petrochemicals and downstream industry of refinery, automobile, sugar, hand tools, sports goods, hosiery/garments/knitting, road and infrastructure, education, medical tourism, real estate, entertainment, pharmaceuticals and metal & alloy products. He said that these industries to be promoted in specific areas after considering the local advantages. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that final touches were being given to the state’s new industrial promotion policy and expected that it would be announced by the January 2013. He said that the unique aspect of this proposed policy was that it was being framed after getting the vital inputs from different industrial representatives besides a core advisory group comprising of 17 eminent industrialists of the state. He said that an investor wants a congenial atmosphere along with quality infrastructure and Punjab was all set to fulfill their aspirations as by the end of next year ours were the first power surplus state in the country. With 2 international airports and approval of 3rd one and 5 domestic airports we were the best air connected state in the country. Similarly, in next 3 years every city and town of the state would be connected with 4/6 lane expressway. He said that the state has initiated an ambitious project to upgrade the basic infrastructure in all 142 cities and towns at the cost of Rs.10,000 crore and the total maintenance of all infrastructure projects would be given to a single agency that too for next 15-20 years. He said that a master plan has been prepared for each city and town to check the trend of haphazard growth.The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the point that with the possible full port status to Attari border, Punjab was all set to become star destination for investment as opening of South Asia trade would rewrite the business priorities in the country. On this occasion he also exhorted the business community to vote for such leadership which should not be indecisive and check the trend of lingering approvals causing inordinate delay in setting up of projects. He expressed confidence that after a long time Union Railways Minister was from north and he would gave priority to the northern region and clear long pending proposals for extension of rail freight corridor up to Amritsar and other vital rail links. He exhorted the business community to become part of Punjab government’s endeavor for rapid industrialization of the state. Earlier, Prabh Dass, CEO, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited and Rajinder Gupta, Founder Trident Group shared their experiences with Punjab government and appreciated the full support extended by the SAD-BJP government in setting as well as growing up of their industries. Prabh Dass pointed out that there was great scope for downstream industrial petrochemical sector and urged them to join hands with Mittal HPCL Energy Limited. Gupta said that Punjabis not only enterprising by nature they also learn and adapt the things very fast. On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister also released a report of CII-KPMG study on ‘Business opportunities in Punjab’. Earlier, Harpal Singh, Past Chairman, CII Northern Region, briefly outlined the opportunities and advantages available in Punjab for business community to set up their projects. D.R. Sharma, Vice Chairman, CII Punjab State Council proposed vote of thanks.