For Georgia, a Commonwealth of Independent States nation, Uttarakhand may not be a favoured destination for investments or even rest of India.
But after visiting various institutes and industries in Dehradun, Georgian envoy to India Zurab Katchkatchishvili said he sees a lot of scope for cooperation as well as investments in the ‘Devbhoomi’, literally translated as abode of gods.
“Uttarakhand is a wonderful area. We see a lot of scope for investments and cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, aromatic and medicinal plants, tourism where Georgia can develop its interests,” he said.
Like Katchkatchishvili, envoys from 11 other countries also expressed similar optimism about investment opportunities in Uttarakhand during the first Ambassadors’ Meet here yesterday organised jointly by the Industries Association of Uttarakhand (IAU) and the state government.
Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank took the opportunity to showcase the hill state and invited participating nations to make investments in the state.
“I assure all possible support to the investors on the part of the state government. I hope by working together we can take this hill state on the rapid path of development,” said Nishank.
Stating that Uttarakhand is rapidly being recognised as international hubs for education and auto industry, Nishank said the hill state is also being recognised globally for its rare medicinal plants, yoga, spiritualism, eco tourism, mountaineering and other adventure sports. “More you explore, more you find the natural wealth in our state,” Nishank said.
Ambassadors and various other envoys from countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Singapore and Madagascar participated.
“We have very positive discussions with our foreign dignitaries. We are hopeful that something concrete would emerge from the conference and Uttarakhand will be recognised globally,” said Pankaj Gupta President of the IAU.
