Immense possibilities of cooperation between South African state Gauteng and MP: CM
Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh and South African state Gauteng will work in tandem in industrial, cultural and education sectors. There are immense possibilities of mutual cooperation between the 2 states. Shri Chouhan was holding discussions with a delegation accompanying Premier of South African State Gauteng Shri M. David Mukhura here today. Shri Makhura said that both states will benefit from mutual ties. An MoU for mutual cooperation was also signed on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing state in the country. Its economic and agriculture growth rates are maximum in the country. Special attention is being paid in the state to industrial development and investment. South Africa and India have historic ties. Mahatma Gandhi had connected India to South Africa. Both states will chalk out a roadmap jointly for mutual cooperation in trade, culture and education sectors.
The Premier of Gauteng Shri Mukhara said that like Madhya Pradesh, his state is also in the middle of the country (South Africa). His state has 36 percent contribution in South Africa’s GDP, 42 percent in industrial production, 10 percent in agriculture production and 62 percent in exports. On the basis of this common factor, he finds Madhya Pradesh closer to him. The state has better opportunities for industries and trade. We are striving for improvement and expansion in manufacturing sector. He said that he is much impressed by Madhya Pradesh’s achievements in various sectors.
Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa gave a presentation focusing on possibilities in Madhya Pradesh. He informed that Madhya Pradesh has better infrastructure and conducive atmosphere for industries. Madhya Pradesh’s growth and agriculture growth rates are highest in the country. Economic development has taken place in Madhya Pradesh at faster rate. It is the second biggest grower of wheat in the country. Good quality Basmati rice is also produced here, which is exported to North America. Country’s only diamond mine exists at Panna in Madhya Pradesh. Copper, limestone and other minerals of good quality are found in the state. From agriculture-based economy, the state is moving towards manufacturing-based economy. Special attention has been paid to good governance in the state. Power generation in the state is to the tune of 14 thousand MW. Madhya Pradesh is a power-surplus state. A land bank of 25 thousand hectares is available for industries in the state. Various rules have been simplified for Ease of Doing Business. For the last 6 years, Global Investors Summit is being held in the state every 2 years. Investment proposals worth 95 million dollars were received at Global Investors Summit at Indore in year 2014. The state has immense possibilities in defence production, auto manufacturing, information technology, agro food processing and renewable energy sectors.
South African delegation comprised Mauteng’s Minister Dr. Ismail Wadi, Dr. Issac Mile, Sushri Barbara Chris and Shri Niyamak Nandi. ACS Shri S.R. Mohanthy, Principal Secretary Commerce & Industries Shri M. Suleman, Principal Secretary Forests Shri A.P. Shrivastava, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Shri Ashok Warnwal, Secretary to CM Shri Vivek Agrawal and Secretary Mineral Resources Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla were also present on the occasion.
