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Winning hearts, the priority for Pravasi meet

JAIPUR: The atlas-like backdrop of this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will obviously be 'Padharo Mhare Des,' but the state is keen on winning the hearts and minds of the diaspora rather than hardselling itself as a destination for investments. Authorities believe that commercial benefits are just a consequence of state's competitiveness. Speaking to TOI, Purushottam Agarwal, commissioner of bureau of investments, who is heading the preparations for the PBD, said: "This is not an investment promotion event. We don't invite guests home to sell products. Media wants to see everything in black and white. This is not a platform to sign memorandum of understandings." Agarwal, who oversaw the rollout of new industrial policy in 2010 and the much-touted single window clearance Act in 2011, said that there will not be any special announcements either to offer incentives and sops for attracting investment during this event.
"Business policies are framed for long-term. We cannot change or bring in new proposals every now and then," added Agarwal.
During the build-up to this event, which will be graced by global business magnets like L N Mittal and Karan Bilimoria, an expectation had gained ground that the investment-starved state can convince the NRI business community of its potentials and advantages, resulting in subsequent investments.
While the state is keen to engage this community for possible ventures in Rajasthan, it prefers not to make it one of the deadline features of the event as that would appear out of sync with the spirit of the event. Agarwal said the state has meticulously chalked out a plan to showcase the unique strengths of the state.
"There would be a special hall where all the information with regard to opportunities in the state will be available. We have also formed a dedicated team to facilitate people showing interest," said Agarwal.
A source in the BIP said there would be special thrust on sectors like solar energy, auto-component manufacturing, tourism, ceramic and glass. He said major challenges like land acquisition will be eliminated by setting up parks and industrial enclaves.