PANJIM: Focusing on the information technology (IT) sector, the Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB) aims to attract Rs 5000 crore in investments in the state in 2015, with investments going up to Rs 15,000 crore by 2017 with the creation of 30,000 jobs. This includes the ambitious Rs 1200 crore investment by Lava International Limited, which is looking at Goa as one of its local production hubs in India.
The board, headed by chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar has already granted permissions for nearly 40 projects, whose total investments come to Rs 2577 crore, and has decided to fast track these projects to ensure that the state attracts more investment.
The board, which normally meets once every fortnight, has now decided to meet once a month or two, to ensure that along with approving new projects, the already permitted projects are fast-tracked.
Highly-placed sources said that IPB is moving on the right track towards achieving the target of Rs 5000 crore investment and 10,000 jobs, this year. “Since December, 2014 when the first meeting of IPB was held till date, we have cleared nearly Rs 2,577 crore investment,” sources said.
“There are some companies, which are being approved that are yet to disclose investment details. These are basically expansion projects,” sources said.
“Our aim is Rs 5,000 crore investment every year with creation of 10,000 jobs,” sources said. The state’s investment policy promises Rs 25,000 crore investment in five years ending 2018.
Of the 40 projects, only 14 are new and include the two marinas at Sancoale and Nauxi at an investment of Rs 200 crore, a hotel project at Varca by Dempo with investment of Rs 250 crore, another hotel project in Morjim with an investment of Rs 107 crore. MRF is investing nearly Rs 875 crore for expansion by setting up a new plant at Tisk-Usgao.
Sources said that with the new IT park coming up at Chimbel and electronic city at Tuem, there are IT companies that have shown interest in investing. Lava International Limited is one of the companies. The leading smart-phone company will be the first unit to be set up in Tuem Electronic City, which is expected to be ready by December this year. The unit will be set up in approximately 50 acres of land
