Highlighting that China’s manufacturing dominance is declining, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Saturday, said that India would be the next ‘World Factory’. He also said, people across the globe are looking at India as the best option for investment which will certainly take the country to new heights. Fadnavis was speaking at the Foundation Day function of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) held at Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth. MP Krupal Tumane; former Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Sancheti; former MLC Girish Gandhi; former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari; Chairman and Managing Director of Western Coalfields Limited Manoj Kumar; and others also were present.

 

“While the country has succeeded in attracting record foreign direct investment (FDI) for the past few years, the State Government has also managed to bring in a big chunk of it in Maharashtra,” he said. Commenting on the industrial growth of the region, Fadnavis said, the Surjagad iron ore project will change the face of Gadchiroli district. “It will emerge as a new ‘Steel City’ in the coming days. On similar grounds, Amravati is taking the shape of a new textile hub,” he pointed out.

 

In welcome address, Vishal Agrawal, President of the association said, “We have blended experienced leadership with the energy of youth at VIA to keep our engines running smoothly for 60 years. However, it is time to change our priorities and re-evaluating our core mission of fostering industrialisation inVidarbha.” Agrawal also urged the entrepreneurs to elevate the quality of industry in the region to new heights. Ashish Doshi, Secretary of VIA, said, VIA completed 60 successful years in the service ofVidarbha’s growth and development. Prashant Mohta, VicePresident ofVIA, also expressed his views on the occasion, and spoke about various initiatives of the association. Dr Prashant Agrawal made opening remarks while Ashish Doshi proposed a vote of thanks. A large number of entrepreneurs, businessmen, professionals, representatives of various trade and industry bodies, government officers and others also were present.