Japanese trade body explores industrial investment opportunities in Bihar

PATNA: In a bid to explore the possibility of setting up industrial units in Bihar, a delegation of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) - a Japanese government related organization, held a meeting with state industries minister Sameer Kumar Mahaesth and senior officials of the department here on Saturday.
Additional chief secretary (industries) Sandeep Poundrik talked about industrial investment opportunities in different sectors in Bihar, including manufacturing, food processing, textile and biofuels.
Industries minister Sameer Maheseth told TOI in the evening that it was the first visit of the delegates of JETRO and they would be coming again in December. “We have explained to them the vast industrial opportunities in information technology (IT), textile, food processing as well as tourism sectors. We would provide all possible assistance to the Japanese companies and industrialists, including land for setting up their units in Bihar. The discussion was fruitful and we are expecting a positive response from them in the next meeting,” the minister said.
The delegates were also told about the integrated manufacturing clusters (IMC) in the state under the Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata industrial corridor. Information was shared on the works being done over 1900 acres of land in the state under the same corridor.
Incidentally, an industrial park is proposed to be established in 1670 acres of land on Dobhi- Chatra road by National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDCL).
“A request has been made to the delegates of JETRO to make investment in this corridor,” the minister said.
The Japanese delegates were briefed about various schemes of the industries department, including single- window clearance for investors. “There physical presence will not be required while applying through a single window clearance system,” an official said, adding that the Japanese delegates were also told about sufficient availability of skilled manpower, electricity, roads and water among other necessary amenities in the state.