Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired the annual conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh in Shimla on Thursday evening, focusing on building a future-ready and globally competitive state economy.
The conference, themed “Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh: Leveraging Local Strength for Global Competitiveness,” brought together industrialists and policymakers to discuss investment opportunities and economic growth strategies.
Addressing industry leaders, the Chief Minister invited investments in tourism, food processing, and information technology sectors, stating that the state government is promoting green industries aligned with Himachal Pradesh’s geographical and environmental strengths. He assured investors of full government support and necessary infrastructure facilities while emphasizing special encouragement for tourism and hospitality investments.
Sukhu announced that the government plans to invest around ₹3,000 crore in the tourism sector. He added that heliports are being developed at district headquarters and major tourist destinations, while heli-taxi services have already been launched and will be expanded further. The expansion work of Kangra Airport is also progressing.
The Chief Minister assured industrialists that harassment of investors would not be tolerated and encouraged them to raise concerns directly with him. Stressing reforms in the single-window clearance system, he said all industrial approvals should be available at one place, with the industry department guiding investors efficiently.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Sukhu said most industries in Himachal Pradesh are located near neighboring state borders, and the government is focusing on improving infrastructure in these regions. Underground utility ducts similar to Shimla will be developed in Baddi, and efforts are underway to resolve electricity load issues in industrial areas.
He also mentioned the development of a bulk drug park at Haroli in Una district and said the state government is bearing 50 percent of the cost to enhance railway connectivity to Baddi, including land acquisition expenses, which will benefit industries linked to BBMB.
The Chief Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh is known as the “Lungs of North India” and the “Water Bowl,” but has not received its due share of resources. He added that the state government is working to restore Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) assistance under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
State Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the Sukhu government has focused on resource mobilization and resilience despite natural disasters and political challenges. He added that while the state supported disaster-affected families through its own resources, assistance of ₹1,500 crore from the Centre is still awaited.
The minister emphasized that Himachal Pradesh offers a favorable industrial investment environment with adequate power supply, strong law and order, and policies promoting self-reliance and local product procurement.
Several dignitaries, including industry representatives and CII members, attended the conference.
