Shillong, June 17: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma today said his government would design "model projects" to encourage local entrepreneurs to promote investment in the state.
Sangma was speaking to reporters here after chairing a meeting of the government-constituted single window agency (SWA) at the state secretariat.
The proposals of 15 industries/entrepreneurs, wanting to set up industrial units in various parts of the state, were examined during the meeting.
Of the 15 proposals, SWA-clearance was accorded to 13 industries/entrepreneurs, spread across Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills districts. Two proposals are yet to be approved and will be further examined for SWA clearance, Sangma said.
Saying that investment in the state is discouraging except in a few districts, including Ri Bhoi, Sangma underlined the need to encourage potential local entrepreneurs to promote investment by setting up industrial units as it would not only boost the economy but also generate employment.
"We need to reach out to potential local entrepreneurs and encourage them to explore the possibilities along with government's support," he said.
Sangma said the state commerce and industries department had also been asked to look at largescale industries so that local entrepreneurs could promote investment through partnership with entrepreneurs from outside the state.
He said entrepreneurs should identify challenges before investing and should have options, including the viability of their proposed investment.
"Model investment projects should be designed for local entrepreneurs, including identifying priority sectors such as agro forestry, agriculture and food processing, hospitality, manufacturing and power sector with special focus on renewable energy," Sangma said, adding that the state required a strong work force.
The chief minister said the state government would create more credit flow through the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for local entrepreneurs who want to invest.
He also said the local entrepreneurs should have a platform to share and exchange ideas.
