"States' Policy Conclave 2024" presents Chhattisgarh as "Most Promising Investment Destination"

New Delhi [India], December 13 : Under the aegis of its State Development Council, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised its flagship initiative, "States' Policy Conclave 2024", on 11 December in New Delhi, according to an official release.
The key theme of the conclave was paving India's green path for sustainable and inclusive development.
The conclave supported the prescient vision and ongoing mission of India's sustainable and inclusive development by strengthening the foundation of government-industry dialogue under a robust framework of cooperative federalism that ensures progressive policies.
Setting its agenda amidst a positive fundamental shift, the conclave sought to ensure that macro indicators reflect even more favourably on India. Current waves of economic reform are expected to bring lasting, rather than transitory, changes to the structure of the Indian economy.
In addition to showcasing best practices from various states, the conclave provided a platform for a range of stakeholders--central and state governments, industry representatives, policy establishments, diplomatic missions, international agencies and multilateral institutions, investors, civil society, and the media--to engage in constructive exchanges and policy discussions.
Addressing the conclave, Minister of State Jitendra Singh said, "For India's growth story, it is important to explore unexplored areas. India's marine resources have remained untapped for decades. With one of the world's longest coastlines, pairing coastal states can yield significant benefits. It is crucial to establish industry linkages from the outset. The industry should identify the necessary projects so we can design our systems to ensure sustainability. Today, India has around 1.7 lakh startups. The 'Startup India, Stand Up India' initiative is a huge success because of effective linkages."
Dr Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) and Secretary, Government of India, highlighted the need for policy intervention. She noted that growth entails certain costs. In Europe, the conversation centres on degrowth, but that is not relevant for India. Every state must continue to grow, though not all are similarly poised. Thus, we must consider green GDP and new growth models that value forests and biodiversity. There is enormous scope for innovation in these areas. States that preserve forests should be compensated, as not all enjoy the same growth opportunities.
Ritu Sain, Investment Commissioner of the Chhattisgarh Government, underscored that sustainability and inclusion are no longer aspirations but necessities, both in policy and practice. She noted that 54 per cent of Chhattisgarh's GDP comes from industry, and while the per capita income is lower than the national average, the state is India's top producer of steel and power.
Chhattisgarh, home to 30 million people and India's ninth-largest state, offers both affordability and sustainability. Investing there contributes to improving the lives of those yet to experience growth. Chhattisgarh is ready to become the next investment destination, providing the policy environment and ecosystem essential for sustainable business, Sain concluded.
Chhattisgarh was the partner state of the "States' Policy Conclave 2024", and its "Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Policy 2024-2030" was thoroughly outlined for industry leaders present at the event.
Other eminent speakers included Bishal Thapa, Senior Director (India), CLASP; Anand Jha, Vice President (Head of Government: India & South Asia), Visa; Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of AYUSH, and Secretary-CEO, Madhya Pradesh State Medicinal Plants Board; Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, Indian Institute of Public Administration; Amb Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI; and Kamlesh Jain, Co-Chair, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI and ED & COO (International), among others.
The "States' Policy Conclave 2024" also dedicated its deliberations to recalling and celebrating the successful culmination of India's economic reform mission, achieved through the unprecedented synergy between supportive policies and a responsive industry.