Govt to promote setting up of common facilities

The Gujarat government will take up a technology upgradation programme for strengthening industrial clusters in the state.

There are over 83 industrial clusters covering different types of industries developed in various locations. Cluster development has helped industrial units create common facilities and develop markets and brand name.

"The Gujarat Industrial Policy-2003 lays emphasis on encouraging cluster development and strengthening existing clusters by providing support to improve competitiveness to meet global challenges ahead," said Anil Patel, Gujarat minister of state for industries.

He was speaking while inaugurating a workshop on 'Role of industry associations in cluster development' at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad.

"The state government plans to encourage industry associations for creating common infrastructure facilities at lower costs. These may include environmental protection measures, productivity improvement, quality upgradation and contract research," said D Rajagopalan, principal secretary, industries and mines.