Foreign companies keen to invest in state

PATNA: The Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Americans and even the British have discovered Bihar on the sub-continent's map. No longer dismissed as the poor, crime-ravaged state in eastern India, Bihar is now being viewed as the investor's newest hub. Ever since the NDA government led by Nitish Kumar took charge, the mantra has been loud and clear. The doors to almost all sectors have been thrown wide open for investment. And anyone who has a convincing proposal, even though a commercial one, is invited to walk in. The Koreans were among the first to seize the opportunity to tap Bihar's potential. They have expressed their desire to invest their time, energy and money in the state's agriculture sector. Bihar's fertile soil and its ability to produce high quality organic fruits and vegetables has apparently attracted them. At a meeting with the CM, the Koreans said they wanted to bring in technology to the state's agro industry. The Chinese want to bring their top-end industrialists on visits to Bihar. The Chinese ambassador Sun Yuxi, on a visit to the state recently, categorically offered "support" in developing infrastructure in the state. Those playing safe are the Americans. Having so far adopted a wait-and-watch stance, the Americans have now got a detailed report of what all had changed in the state and what the business opportunities were. "The interest of the American Embassy is quite evident. There have been meetings between US government officials and the chief minister," said a senior state government official. Bihar road construction and tourism minister Nand Kishore Yadav told TOI on Monday that the state had, indeed, received a large number of proposals. "The Infrastructure Development Board is scrutinising these proposals. Quite a few of them are from foreign companies," Yadav said. Yadav was candid enough to admit that the sudden interest being showered on Bihar had a huge commercial side to it. "Certainly the companies that put in money, want to make money. We know there is no charity here. But we will make sure that our interests are protected," he said. The minister said the state was fortunate to be closely linked with Buddhism. This ensured interest of countries where the religion was widely prevalent. The Japanese have expressed their desire to revive the ancient Nalanda University and also set up an institution of learning in Rajgir. Besides foreign investment, there is also a mini deluge of proposals from established Indian entrepreneurs based both in India and abroad. One such NRI has sent a blueprint to set up pathological laboratories at a few decrepit district hospitals. Certain prominent Biharis who have made it big outside Bihar have also joined the bandwagon. First filmmaker Prakash Jha spoke about constructing multiplexes in Patna and then quickly expanded his base to road construction as well. The latest to chip in is actor and former Union minister Shatrughan Sinha who wants to establish a film city in the state.

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RANJAN RITURAJ SINH