Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in an online interaction with Assocham announced that he was not only open to FDI from companies who are now moving out of China but will look into how Goa can be made a logistics hub, an idea suggested by the former civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu to Goa about two years ago.
Dr Sawant shared his plans and steps taken so far for the rapid revival of the economy of Goa and he also welcomed all the industry bodies to the State for investment purpose.
The interactive session discussed the various measures taken by the State to combat the challenges arising from the Covid19 pandemic.
On behalf of Assocham, Deepak Sood, Secretary-General; Niranjan Hiranandani, national president and Mangirish Pai Raikar, chairman, Assocham Goa state council had a discussion with Dr Sawant.
The session was moderated by Deepak Sood, Secretary-General, Assocham.
Mangirish Pai Raikar congratulated Goa government for becoming the pharmaceutical supplier to the world, especially in order to meet the high demand for hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol.
Further, he emphasised on the rapid revival of the tourism industry as the economy of Goa, majorly revolves around this industry. He also highlighted the issue of the State having the highest number of government employees and roughly one in 26 is working in government office, major budget is spent on their salaries, which leaves very little for development work.
In this case, he urged the Goa government to evaluate the manpower in the government department and administration to be trained more to make work with more efficiency. In addition to this, Raikar also urged the Goa government to give more attention on building a technology park in order to offer more employment in the State.
“Out of 40 companies which moved out of China in the last 30 days due COVID-19 crisis, 23 shifted to Vietnam and only two turned up for India. This ratio of industry, choosing India for business setup is highly alarming. We really need to focus on the Ease of Doing Business in order to attract more and more business to Goa,” said Hiranandani.
Adding to this, he also laid focus on two other economic factors, one is liquidity crisis that Indian industry and business is facing today. Some stimulus package is also need to be introduced in terms of giving funding to the states adequacy to meet the problems which are taking place.
Dr Sawant said, “Goa is the first State to cater all labourers from various industry sites by accommodating them in 14 labour camp sites and providing them with dry ration or prepared food. There are more than three lakh labourers in the State.”
He further added that Goa comes at fourth place in the pharmaceutical industry and this industry has resumed its work with 50 per cent of manpower. Goa is happy and proud to help the whole world in the supply of pharmaceuticals.
Dr Sawant mentioned that after the announcement of the third lockdown, almost 80 per cent of the industries have resumed their work and some sort of labour shortage can be seen in these industries as labour coming from Karnataka and Maharashtra are partially allowed to enter the State. Further Dr Sawant welcomed all the industries those who wish to invest in Goa and also thanked Assocham for their concern and recommendation for the speedy revival of the economy.
Assocham Secretary General, Deepak Sood, ensured the whole hearted cooperation for the economic revival in Goa. He also stated that Assocham is future ready and willing to work with Government of Goa for the better economic condition of the State.
