By Dominick Rodrigues
Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today reiterated Maharashtra’s status as a ‘business-friendly state’ over decades and emphasized that despite “many states trying to move factories out of it to their own states, the shift isn’t going to happen.”
The Chief Minister was speaking at a virtual inauguration of a flagship initiative ‘Mission Engage Maharashtra’ organized by the IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry here recently. Subhash Desai, Maharashtra Minister of Industries and Mining, was also present on the occasion.
“This is because our Government does not just believe in signing MOUs, but is also proactive about actually translating it into meaningful employment opportunities. From last year’s Rs 60,000 crore, our goal this year is to sign MOUs worth Rs 1,00,000 crore. For this to happen, we are also working on granting a single-window-clearance to all those who want to set up industries in the state”, he said while outlining his government’s efforts to attract more businesses post COVID.
Subhash Desai, Maharashtra Minister for Industries and Mining, said “India grows when Maharashtra grows. Being one of the most important industrialized states in the country, the economic recovery of the country at large depends on how we bounce back. And we are hopeful that events like this can send right signals to the investors, strengthen rural economies and galvanize medium and small enterprises (MSMEs).”
Noting that Maharashtra is going through its worst crisis ever in being the +worst-hit+ state affected by the Coronavirus outbreak,Rajiv Podar, President, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed admiration at +the resolute fight+ that the Maharashtra Government administration has been giving to the pandemic while maintaining balance between life and livelihood.
“We believe that in times such as this, the private sector also should play its part to help the government build capacity and resilience for future shocks. There is a need to Reboot, Reform and Resurge the economy,” Podar said, adding “With this in mind, the IMC Chamber has highlighted +Mission Engage Maharashtra+ to be its special focus this year and work closely with the government in its efforts to revive the economy.”
During the virtual ceremony, the IMC’s Digital Technology Committee also launched its +Assess, Recommend, Train (ART)+ Programme, which has been specially designed for MSMEs to help them assess and achieve digital readiness during times of crisis.
The IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry has chosen “Mission Engage Maharashtra” as its special focus and will work closely with the government in its efforts to rebuild the economy post-COVID, while also assisting in attracting investments, supporting the MSME sector, boosting the agriculture sector and guiding reforming (policy to enhance) ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of doing Business’ in Maharashtra.
The IMC’s Expert Committees on Agriculture and Food Processing, Digital Technology, Ease of Living, Health and Fitness, Industry and Trade, International Business, Startups and Innovation and Travel, Tourism and Hospitality will work with the government of Maharashtra on programs and policies to achieve robust and sustainable growth for the state.
