Hooda's Korea visit reaps dividends

Several Korean companies are planning to make investment in the apparel, automobiles and electronics sectors in Haryana. This was disclosed by representatives of Korean companies at a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Seoul.

Hooda, who is heading a high-powered delegation of business leaders and state government officials on a four-day tour of South Korea, invited Korean companies to invest in Haryana. Speaking on the occasion, Hooda assured the Korean business leaders all assistance for setting up their units in the state.

He said the new industrial policy formulated by his government stressed the growth of industries by providing an industry-friendly atmosphere, which included world-class infrastructure and skilled labour.

He also underlined that proximity to the national capital and an international airport were major advantages.

Reacting to the Korean companies' suggestions for helping them to invest, the chief minister said the apparel industry, just like the infotech industry, would be given due importance and steps would be taken for its growth.

To help Korean businessmen in investing and getting various clearances, the state government has decided to set up a Korea desk. This was stated by Hooda at a meeting with the South Korean minister of commerce, industry and energy, Hwan-Eik Cho, in Seoul today, said a senior state government official here.

Cho said India was emerging as the most preferred destination for many multinational companies and most of Korean companies too have made their investments in India.

Indian ambassador to South Korea RN Parthasarthy outlined the key areas of interest for the Korean companies in India. Apart from the auto sector and electronics, there was a need to tap other areas of interest common to Haryana and South Korea, he said.

The business delegation comprised Jagdish Khattar, managing director of Maruti Udyog Ltd; Sudhir Dhingra, chief managing director, Orient Craft Ltd; Adesh Gupta, managing director-cum-chief executive officer of Liberty Shoes; and VD Saluja of Saluja Industries.

Other members of the delegation included Lachhman Das Arora, industries minister; ML Tayal, principal secretary to the chief minister; PK Chaudhery, financial commissioner and principal secretary (industries and commerce and IT department); Ashok Lavasa, chief co-ordinator of the Industrial Promotion Centre etc.