UP first choice for any company
LUCKNOW: A high level delegation from the Slovak Republic led by its ambassador to India Zigmund Bertok and commercial attaché Roman Mazanec will attend the two-day UP Investors Summit as the central European nation aims to invest in health, solar power and sports among other fields.
The India Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic led by Rakesh Taurani, president and CEO, will be the interface between the Uttar Pradesh government and the Slovak Republic.
Taurani, who is of Indian origin, is doing all the ground work for Slovakian companies to ensure investment from the Slovak Republic comes to Uttar Pradesh.
What brings you to Uttar Pradesh?
With BJP government at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, there will be uniformity in policies of the Centre and the state government. After BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014, India’s image has changed dramatically all across the globe. Investment scenario has also improved in India. For any company, Uttar Pradesh is the first choice to invest due to its size and vast market.
How committed are you to investing in Uttar Pradesh?
Our participation in the summit is not just customary. We are here to stay and do business. A Lucknow chapter of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic will be made operational in Lucknow soon. Its announcement will be made at the summit itself.
What are the sectors you are targeting for investment?
Uttar Pradesh is a vast market. There are immense investment opportunities here. From solar power, to health and assembling units of light commercial aircrafts, we have expertise in diverse fields. In the health sector, if things materialise, we will build hospitals under the public, private partnership model with the state government.
The erstwhile Czechoslovakia was a power house of tennis players. Even Slovak Republic has produced renowned tennis players. Do you have anything to offer in sports fields?
We are planning to run a tennis academy in Lucknow in coordination with the state government. If things move forward, then promising players will be given special training in the Slovak Republic.
Do you think that being an Indian, you will be more comfortable interacting with Indian officials?
Definitely. It will be easy for me to develop a rapport with Indian officials as I can converse both in Hindi and English.
Are there any Indian firms in Slovakia?
Tata Motors has a big plant in Nitra district. In the second half of this year, it will be starting production of Jaguar Land Rover. In Europe, Slovakia is the most favoured destination for investment.
Do you have any issue on the infrastructure and security front?
Not just the state government but the Centre has also assured us allout support.