| "The government is planning to create a special economic zone at Hargarh (near Jabalpur) for mining-based industries. An industrial development centre will also be opened in the area," a senior government official told Business Standard, adding, "the meet will showcase tourism, mining, textile and garments, food processing and agriculture, higher education and health. A separate session for industrialists will also be organised for the investors." |
| However, it is not known how many industrialists have decided to participate in the two-day meet. Jabalpur is known for its small and medium garment-manufacturing units. These units have a long-pending demand for a separate garment complex where common facilities are available. |
| Barring the Maneri industrial area in Mandla district, where makers of Ayur brand cosmetics have units, no big player has entered the Jabalpur region, which is also known as Mahakaushal. |
| Two years ago, tobacco major ITC had planned a pulp and paper unit but poor response and procedural delay from the state government have put the project on the backburner. |
| A food park planned and created under a Central government scheme also failed to get desirable results. Only a few small investors took interest but frequent changes in policies and poor incentives did not achieve results. |
| Cement-producing Katni and Satna close to Jabalpur and Mandla, which have tremendous potential in tourism and medicinal plants. |
| "The non-developed area in nearby Dindori district offers huge potential but state government has to spell out policies and commit faster implementation. None would wait for years in a fast-changing economic scenario," an investor who is likely to participate in the meet told Business Standard on condition of anonymity. |
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