Sikkim hosts International Conference on strategic investment

Gangtok, May 31, 2013:

The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated ‘Sikkim Business Summit -International Conference on strategic investment in the State of Sikkim’ at Chintan Bhawan today. The event was jointly organized by the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim in collaboration with North India Management Association (NIMA). About 36 investors and Corporate Houses from the country including four from abroad participated in the event.

While addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that the State of Sikkim has emerged today from the period of relative isolation of the early 1970s-80s to a vibrant investment destination with the best practices and instruments of development. ‘Peaceful atmosphere is our forte and this has triggered widespread excitement among investors to invest in Sikkim, which is further complemented by stability in governance, consistent good law and order environment, absence of labour problem which are conducive atmosphere for industrial growth’ he said.

Explaining further, the Chief Minister added that Sikkim, small in relative term, is aiming big as evident from this Business Summit. And through the investor’s support, the State would continue to promote green growth and further consolidate on past achievement to make Sikkim a more vibrant State, economically, socially, materially and spiritually.

Dr. Gulshan Sharma, President, NIMA in his address mentioned about the reasons to consider investment in Sikkim. He added that Sikkim is one of the most peaceful in the country today coupled with stable government. Availabitity of quality power supply and harmonious labour relationships are the other reasons, he added.

Highlighting NIMA and adopting Sikkim as a role model for whole India in 12th Five Year Plan Mr. Sharma said that strategically bringing investment to Sikkim State in various projects and Skill development of 35000 to 40000 youth from rural and urban poor categories across the State, which in his view could be the direct employment generation and entrepreneurship. Further, he said that digital education college for Aviation, Tourism Hospitality, Health and Wellness Spa, Media Entertainment Industry and the focus should be on all tourism related orojects. He said that skill development, direct employment generation and entrepreneurship would be the focus for next five years.

On the occasion, the Chief Guest also released the road map prepared by NIMA for Sikkim followed by the power point presentation for destination Sikkim.

Earlier, Mr P.T. Euthenpa, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department presented the welcome address.

On the second session, Principal Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi Mr Arvind Kumar who is also the Principal Investment Commissioner in his brief address informed that single window system has been operationalised under Principal Investment Commissioner which would clear all the projects within 45 days.

The second session was chaired by Minister for Commerce and Industries, Mrs Neeru Sewa which saw the presentation of different State Government Departments, Corporation and visiting dignitaries.