CM projects govt's pro-business approach as ASEAN industry

Bengaluru: The first edition of the three-day ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry Business Meet began here on Monday with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy laying emphasis on his government’s pro-business approach and its stability.

“In the eight months since our coalition government came into existence, I can assure you all, our government is stable and strong,” he said during the event at the Banquet Hall of the Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat).

In an attempt to woo global investors, Kumaraswamy said his government has focused on a pro-business approach besides ensuring its benefits percolate down to the poor to provide employment opportunities.

The chief minister said several corrective steps have been taken in the last few months to bring in economic reforms in the state.

“Karnataka is now ready for business as never before. We have made doing business easier and smarter by ensuring 98 per cent compliance to provisions of business reforms action plan,” Kumaraswamy said.

He said the state has a powerful combination of a thriving ecosystem, skilled and talented workforce, technical expertise, innovation and business-friendly policies.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Vajubhai Vala emphasised that Karnataka was the best destination for investment.

“I am here for the past five years and I have observed that the government very well supports business and industries to thrive,” he said.

“I assure you that there will not be any problem for you here. If there is any shortcoming in the facilities, tell the minister and the chief minister.

It is our duty to address your grievances. You are not doing business just for yourselves. You are doing it for the state and the nation. If the business thrives, the state flourishes,” Vala told the gathering.

The event has been organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) to bring together ASEAN, ASEAN Plus countries and other invited countries.

According to the FKCCI, the summit aims to explore the scope for business opportunities in Karnataka with focus on automobiles and auto components, aerospace and defence, engineering and fabrication, agriculture, food processing, health and pharmaceuticals, startups, textile and garments, fintech, logistics and information technology.

The event will see the participation of UAE, Hong Kong, UK, Germany, France, USA, India, China, Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia.