CM looks beyond tourism, says Goa aims to be hub for AI & green energy

Panaji: Goa aims to move beyond tourism and become a major hub for sustainable energy, technology, blockchain-based companies, startups that focus on AI, and the marine industries, said chief minister Pramod Sawant while addressing potential investors at the ‘Amazing Goa’ Global Business Summit 2024.

Sawant said that govt remains committed to improving the ease of doing business in the state by ensuring a business-friendly environment for the projects, expanding infrastructure, and supportive policies.

“We are moving beyond tourism to make Goa a thriving hub for emerging industries that highlight Goa on the global map,” said Sawant. “With the world’s urgent need to address climate change, Goa aims to lead in renewable energy adoption. We envisage Goa as a pioneer in harnessing solar, wind, and bio-energy. Our govt is focused on policies that incentivise clean energy projects, inviting investors to partner in our journey to become a green energy state.”

Delegates and business leaders from over 50 countries were present at the summit, which is being held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium.

Sawant urged the delegates and business leaders to consider Goa as an investment destination for opportunities in AI, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and ayurveda among others.

Sawant also said that govt is focused on policies that incentivise clean energy projects. “We want investors to envisage Goa not just as a tourist destination but as a promising partner in their business journey. Let us leverage our strength, strategies, and our talented youth to propel Goa onto the global stage,” he said.

The chief minister said that govt aims to integrate AI in governance, healthcare, and smart city solutions.

The industries minister, Mauvin Godinho, said that govt is ready to work with the industry.

“I want to develop this state as one of the largest trading hubs, but our only condition is that we want eco-friendly industries as we want to preserve our pristine environment,” said Godinho. One of the major programmes forming a part of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 is the business-to-business deliberations between the Goan MSMEs and the international delegates.

This initiative will help individual business owners explore business tie-ups in their respective sectors with delegates from different countries. More than 400 individual B2B meetings are expected to take place, offering substantial opportunities for several Goan MSMEs.

Several MoUs were also inked on the first day of the business summit, with industry bodies of various countries promising to facilitate bilateral trade and regulatory information.


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