Karnataka keen to strengthen ties with Netherlands, says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar Monday said Karnataka holds a very strong relationship with the Netherlands and the state government is keen to strengthen its ties with the Dutch nation. According to an official statement, addressing a delegation from Netherlands at Vidhanasoudha, Shivakumar said Dutch businesses are among the forerunners of foreign investors in Karnataka.
"Karnataka is home to 9 per cent of Dutch investments in India. We are home to 25 plus Dutch companies. Karnataka is also home to Global in-house Centres of Shell and Philips too. There are more than 200 Dutch companies operating in the state with investment worth over USD 1 billion," it said.
The Deputy CM noted that Karnataka is India's leading investment destination, with multiple accolades to itself. The state has consistently ranked first in attracting investments since 2016 and leads the nation in coffee production.
"We are very keen to further strengthen this partnership by leveraging the existing synergies with Karnataka and Netherlands. We share many similarities across major industries like food processing, Biotech and Pharma, Innovation and R&D to name a few," he added.
Karnataka dominates electronics design in India, with the state's ESDM (Karnataka Electronics System Design & Manufacturing Policy) offering the highest incentives in the country, the statement said.
"We have also taken multiple bold measures to enhance our offering to Dutch companies We have a dedicated Industrial Policy that focuses on key areas like Artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and R&D, aimed at becoming an integral part of the global value chain.
The policy also offers attractive financial incentives, such as Investment promotion subsidy of up to 2.25 per cent of annual turnover for 6-10 years," the statement read.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said at the CEO round table meeting that the Dutch nation is keen to enhance economic cooperation with Karnataka.
Rutte, who participated in the G20 summit hosted by India in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, visited Bengaluru as part of an economic mission.
"Netherlands aims to provide Dutch companies operating in Karnataka an opportunity to engage in discussions on strategic matters of mutual interest, focusing on economic growth and investment prospects," Ruthe said according to an official release.
The meeting deliberated prominently on investment climate, regulatory and legislative procedures, and collaborations in the areas of agriculture and horticulture among other things.
Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil and IT Minister Priyank Kharge were also among those who represented the Karnataka government.
Speaking about the meeting, Shivakumar said, "The Netherlands delegation has discussed several matters. It has also sought the implementation of a transparent and fair excise policy. A meeting would be soon held to sort out the issues about facilitating the Dutch investments in the state."
Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil said that the government of Karnataka looks forward to increased investments from the Netherlands across various industries like food processing, biotech, pharma, Innovation and R&D among others. There is also enough scope for investments in the tourism sector, he opined.
Patil informed the Dutch delegation that the government would set up KHIR City (Knowledge Health Innovation-Research City) on 1,000 acres near Bengaluru International Airport.
Radovan Sikorsky, CFO, Board Member Heineken expressed that being the largest MNC investor in Karnataka for marketing and brewing of premium beer under the Kingfisher and Heineken brands, Heineken is looking for a fair and transparent regulatory regime that promotes the growth of the beer category in the State and offers premium products to its consumers.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
