Jaya seeks Amcham assistance

Chief minister J Jayalalithaa, in her meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce-India (Amcham), has asked for investment and technical know-how in power generation, desalination and water purification plants in the state.

Amcham has expressed interest to increase the FDI into the state, especially in the areas of auto, textiles, engineering, leather, information technology and bio-sciences.

Addressing mediapersons after his meeting with the chief minister, Sunil Mehta, chairman of Amcham-India, and country head and chief executive officer of AIG India, said: "We have assured the chief minister that Amcham believes in increasing the FDI into the state through a public-private partnership."

Amcham has also requested for the framing of competitive incentive packages in IT, bio-tech and large manufacturing projects and other services that will attract FDI from US firms into the state. At present, most states have framed incentive packages to woo US firms to invest into their state.

According to a press release, Amcham has asked for the resolution of legacy issues in power generation and a conducive regulatory structure which they expect will renew interest of foreign investors into the power sector.

Amcham has reiterated that it will welcome the opportunity to collaborate and offer suggestions to develop infrastructure like roads, highways, ports and airports.

"We are looking at creating awareness among the US SMEs already present in Asia about the benefits of investing in the state, especially those industries which synchronise with the needs of the state like auto ancillaries," Mehta added.

Amcham offered the necessary support required to further the high quality technical education in schools, colleges and other such institutions in the state.