Mr Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh, said that the state offers one of the best business environments for the industry and urged the industry to invest in the state.
Addressing a special session via webinar on ‘Covid-19 Next Steps for Economic Revival’, organised by FICCI, Mr Baghel assured the industry that the state government will take all necessary steps to allow the industry to function. “We will provide all support to the industry to operate in Chhattisgarh and we welcome the industry.” he said. He also told that the state government has taken various initiatives to boost demand and it is now for the industry to capitalize on the opportunity in sectors like steel, IT, etc. He further said that almost 80 per cent of small scale industries have started production and the government will take necessary steps to remove bottlenecks.
Mr Baghel highlighted that the state was one of the first to respond to the COVID 19 crisis and is today in a good position as far as management of the COVID crisis is concerned and added that revival of the industry is one of the priorities of the State Government. He also informed that the State Government has asked for financial support from the central Government. “We are trying to get support for the Central Government, and any support that we receive from the central Government will be transferred onward for the benefit of Industry” he added.
He also stressed upon the need of converting this crisis into an opportunity. “We are ensuring support to the farmers, workers and others so that there is continued demand for products. Chhattisgarh will always have a good market and therefore the business and industry will prosper in the state,” added Mr Baghel.
FICCI President Dr Sangita Reddy, while welcoming the Chief Minister, appreciated the efforts of the state government in tackling the COVID 19 pandemic and assured him of FICCI’s support in managing the crisis. Mr Y K Modi, Past President FICCI, highlighted the need for ensuring the smooth interstate movement of goods and requested the Chief Minister’s intervention in this. Mr Modi also highlighted the great liquidity crunch being faced by the industry in general and the MSME sector in particular. He pointed out that there is a need for providing strong financial support to companies to ensure that they are able to survive these difficult times. The webinar also saw the active participation of Mr Pradeep Tandon, Chairman, FICCI Chhattisgarh State Council and other leading industry players from across India.
