New Delhi: Over 4,000 attendees, including 15 international delegates, were present at the third edition of Madhya Pradesh’s regional industry conclave Wednesday “to foster balanced and equitable development across the state by promoting industrial growth”.
The delegates, who attended the Gwalior event, were from 15 Indian states and six countries such as Canada, Netherlands, Togo, Zambia, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
It was organised to bolster the state’s economic prosperity as well as generate local employment opportunities, a government readout said.
More than 150 guests from sectors such as tourism, IT, footwear, agriculture, and food processing, all showed keen interest in investing in Madhya Pradesh, the statement further said.
At the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav outlined the government’s vision and initiatives “to promote investment, innovation, and sustainable development”. He said the state was committed to supporting its workforce, and recognising the tireless efforts of those who contributed to its progress.
“The government addresses this commitment by repaying loans on behalf of the workforce and is focused on enhancing the industrial landscape to ensure that employees can earn their livelihood with pride.”
The chief minister announced the opening of a police station at Industrial Area, Sitapur and a fire station at Industrial Area, Barmore, further informing that the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation would start four new industrial parks under the Gwalior regional office.
He also said the government would endeavour to establish a world class hospital in Gwalior with investment from the private sector.
Presentations at the conclave were delivered by five departments of the state – Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mineral Resources, Tourism and Science and Technology.
Raghwendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, opened the forum, outlining key initiatives, and investment opportunities in the state. “The Invest MP Summit roadshows are expected to generate over 48,300 jobs and attract investments exceeding ₹17,000 cr,” he said.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla of the Tourism & Culture Department discussed various possibilities in this sector. “Madhya Pradesh is culturally rooted and future-ready!! The state is an exceptional destination for investment, especially in tourism, with the advantage of the 5Ws – world heritage, worship, water, wildlife and wonders of nature.”
Navneet Kothari, Secretary, MSME, provided insights into the current investment landscape and upcoming plans. He said: “There are 13.66 lakh MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh… our MSMEs have seen substantial growth and employment. Notably, the Gwalior-Chambal area alone has seen over 9 lakh MSME employment.”
Principal Secretary, Mineral Resources, Sanjay Shukla said: “Madhya Pradesh accounts for 16% of India’s coal production and ranks first in the production of copper ore, manganese ore and diamonds. With its abundant resources, robust policies, logistical infrastructure and skilled manpower, the State is well-positioned to drive growth and attract substantial investments in the mining sector.”
Sanjay Dubey, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, said the state offers a conducive environment “marked by safety, ease of living and surplus power crucial for ITeS services. It is free from significant natural hazards and boasts a technically-skilled workforce”.
Industrialists Karan Adani, Managing Director, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Vivek Taneja from Reliance Bio Energy, and Puneet Dawar, Managing Director Tropilite Food, also shared their experiences.
MSME Minister Chaitanya Kumar Kashyap said Mohan Yadav was actively positioning Madhya Pradesh as a hub for industrial growth through these regional conclaves – the third in six months.