Ambassador of Czech Republic, HE Milan Hovorka, on Thursday met Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in Amritsar to discuss investment opportunities in Punjab, particularly in the field of manufacturing.Hovorka, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, evinced interest in investing in Punjab in the backdrop of its new industrial climate, ushered in by the Congress government. The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Local Bodies, Tourism & Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, said Punjab, with its hard working populace, had a great industrial environment, which Indian and foreign investors could tap to their advantage. He pointed out that the state was offering the cheapest industrial power in the country, with a fast-growing solar power base.The Chief Minister cited the new industrial policy, unveiled recently by his government, as an endorsement of his vision to transform the industrial culture in the state to make it more friendly for businesses. The `Business First’ philosophy of his government was focused on promoting the state’s industrial development, which had lagged in the past 10 years, he added.
Noting that the Czech Republic was one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the ambassador said his country was looking at harnessing the opportunities offered by Punjab in the areas of electronics, food processing, defence manufacturing, IT, hospitality, entertainment and media. His country was also keen to set up a large manufacturing unit in the state, the envoy added.The ambassador further offered unique 15-seater aircraft for boosting regional mobility in Punjab, saying these planes can take off from any terrain, from mobile airports that can be set up in remote areas.
The Chief Minister directed his officials to take the Czech ambassador’s suggestions forward through further discussion.Captain Amarinder was joined at the meeting by his Media Advisor Raveen Thukral, along with Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion CEO and Secretary Industries & Commerce R.K. Verma. The Chief Minister also invited PPCC president Sunil Jakhar, who was here for the launch of the Congress Vision Document for Urban Development, to meet the ambassador.