Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jan 12: Dakshina Kannada district administration in association with the commerce and industries department and district industries on Tuesday January 12 organized 'Invest Dakshina Kannada', a investors' meet at TMA Pai Conventional Hall here. The event was held as part of the upcoming 'Invest Karnataka-2016' to be held in Bengaluru in February.
As many as 33 investors have come forward to invest Rs 12,096.35 crore in the district, providing employment opportunities to 4,665 people. Among the investors are NRI entrepreneur Dr B R Shetty, who would be setting up a boat club and a wellness spa, and MRPL, whose investments include expasion to 1025 acres, long terminal at NMPT and upgradation of refineries.
After inaugurating the meet, district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai said, "People from this district have used their talents to invest in many parts of the world. Entrepreneurs from the district are eager to invest in Dakshina Kannada.
"Along with the development, environmental protection is very important. Social harmony is very essential to attract investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. People should ponder on this," he said.
"Politicians should not be investors, and investors should not be politicians. Only then can real development take place," he added.
On this occasion district in-charge ministers honoured investors who came forward to invest in the district.
Bharath Lal Meena, chief secretary for higher education said, "Dakshina Kannada district has its own potentiality. This district has all the four modes of connectivity and hence it should become the 'gateway' of Karnataka. Small countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are competing globally. Many investors are ready to invest in this district but the thing is, we need to attract them. Within five years each individual from every home will be employed because of these investments."
MLA J R Lobo in his presidential address said, "I do not think this investors meet will be successful until we work wholeheartedly for development. The people of this district are born entrepreneurs but you need to provide opportunity.
"There is IT Park in Mudipu but no proper connectivity. Development takes place when we (government) provide electricity, water and road. The government should attract investors and provide opportunities with adequate infrastructure," he added.
"Social menace like immoral rowdyism hinders tourism. When there is good communication along with electricity and water, development is possible. There is no meaning to development unless and until we work wholeheartedly," Lobo said.
MLA Mohiuddin Bava, mayor Jacintha Vijaya Alfred, deputy mayor Purushottam Chitrapur, MUDA chairman Ibrahim Kodijal, ZP president Asha Thimappa Gowda, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, ZP CEO I P Shrividya, president of KCCI Ram Mohan Pai Maroor, joint director of district industries Gokuldas Nayak and others were present.