CM woos US aero firms to invest in state

BANGALORE: Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has assured the US business delegation of providing quality infrastructural support to the companies willing to establish aero space units in the state.

"My government is striving to create an enabling environment for the industries by pursing a proactive and dynamic policy initiative. I request the US business delegation to consider my state as investment-destination," Yeddyurappa said in his opening remarks at an interactive session between the state government and the US India business council here on Tuesday.

Steps taken explained

Demonstrating the BJP government's commitment for industrialisation, Yeddyurappa said 984 acres of land has already been acquired for setting up of an aero space technology park near Devanahalli, adjacent to Bangalore International Airport and another 252 acres for special economic zone exclusively for aero space industry.

Stating that Karnataka has the best human resources, highly skilled labour as well as a congenial industrial atmosphere, the chief minister said: "The visit of US president Barack Obama to India last year has deepened and strengthened the strategic relationship between the two countries and Karnataka would like to take advantage of the situation to the mutual advantage of both."

"I will ensure that the companies will not find it difficult to get necessary clearances for setting up their plants," the chief minister added.

Future looks bright

Speaking on the occasion, Walter F Doran, President of Raytheon Asia and member of the US India Business council said: "There is logic and momentum to a deeper defence relationship between India and US to address global security needs. The recent procurement of Lockheed Martin C130J by the IAF, Boeing VVIP aircraft for the PM are all important, as makers of Indian confidence in the US as a long term defence sales partner. With Bangalore being the hub of aeronautical industry, we are definitely interested in looking Karnataka as our investmentdestination."

'Most appropriate place'

Karnataka Chief Secretary S V Ranganath said that the potential for trade and R D in the aerospace industry in the next one decade is up to 100 billion dollars and with the kind of the industryfriendly atmosphere prevailing in the state and availability of best talent, Karnataka is the most appropriate place for setting up of aero space industries, the chief secretary noted.