Government giving shape to industrial corridor plan: M C Sampath

Chennai: The government is preparing a project proposal for establishment of the Chennai - Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor for the development of 23 backward districts in the state, said minister for industry M. C. Sampath.

Addressing 183rd Chamber Day of Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in Chennai on Saturday, Sampath said a large number of people in these backward districts would benefit from the scheme.

Sampath said the government would implement the ambitious project with support from Asian Development Bank. It would be a joint venture between the Tamil Nadu government and TIDCO. This would cover 23 districts including nine backward Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Tirunvelveli, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Virudunagar and Sivagangai districts.

Elaborating further, Sampath said, “Land would be made available to industrial houses coming forward to set up of their companies at 50 percent cost, and power would be given at subsidized rate. Several other facilities would be given to these industries keeping in mind of the people in these districts.”

The government will also take up the Chennai - Bengaluru Industrial Corridor and Western Industry Corridor.

The government has been planning to set a SIPCOT in Manalur in Thiruvallur on 4,000 acres of land.

Batteries for electric vehicles would be manufactured in Manalur.

The government under the leadership of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami has been implementing a number of pro-active schemes to promote industries in the state, and to provide employment opportunities to a large number of people.

Talking about the recent three-nation tour of a delegation led by the CM to woo investment, Sampath said, “We met a large number of Tamil diaspora in the US and they are willing to work with the government for development of the people.”

Sampath also hailed the MCCI for promoting commerce and industries in the state. Principal Secretary, Industries Department, N Muruganandam, said the government would unveil an ambitious new industrial policy shortly. Consultations have been going on with various industrial houses. Among others, this would focus on innovation and promote startups industries. “We have to promote Tamil Nadu as a favourite destination for Startups,” he added.

The government is also planning to set up a 'Medi-Park' in Chengalpet, facilitating the industries to manufacture medical apparatus and health care, surgical instruments and equipment. Mega food parks would come up in Cheyyar, Manaparai, Tindivanam, Bargur and Thoothukudi, said Muruganandam.

Chinese investors are also ready to operate in the industrial space sector. The government is planning to set up quality housing facilities in the industrial parks.

Tamil Nadu is the largest economy in the country. It is facing competition from various states and Vietnam.

Muruganandam elaborated that whenever, an MNC plans to set up its plant, they evaluate different states and countries including Vietnam. The government has been making efforts to ease the manner of doing business in the state, and for generating employment opportunities. The government will work closely with MCCI in various sectors, including Fin-Tech city project, he added.

Welcoming the gathering, president, MCCI, Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, said the government should reform labour laws and felicitate successful entrepreneurs in all the districts. He suggested that the new industrial policy should cover the service sector, MSME, industrial infrastructure, including incubation centre, R&D and innovation hubs. Incentives should be provided to industries with investment between Rs 50 to Rs 350 crore.

Vice-President, MCCI Srivats Ram, proposed a vote of thanks. Members of MCCI, officials from counsel general of various countries, Chennai, and top executives of industrial houses, attended the programme.