To counter China, develop border belts as industrial hubs: CM to Centre

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday urged the Centre to devise a comprehensive policy for developing border belts into industrial hubs to counter the Chinese economic threat, while reiterating his demand for special package for the border states of Punjab and Rajasthan.

Addressing an interactive session with captains of Indian industry in New Delhi, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion, the CM said he had taken up the issue of establishing industrial corridors in border areas, especially from Pathankot down to the Pakistan border, with the Prime Minister last month, and was hopeful of a positive response.

He assured the industry that their investments would be safe in Punjab and his government would extend all possible support to them. That more than Rs 10,000 crore of investment had already flown into the state in the last one year, Amarinder said his government was targeting to triple the amount annually.

“My government is there to facilitate industry, whose interests would be kept in mind while formulating policies,” said the chief minister, adding that the work culture in Punjab was highly conducive to promoting industry, which was needed to generate employment and revenue in the state.