After GIM 2024's Resounding Success, Tamil Nadu Shines on the Global Stage at WEF
The picturesque landscapes of Switzerland are set to host a delegation led by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, marking a triumphant visit just days after the resounding success of the third edition of the Global Investors Meet (GIM) 2024. The state, having secured investment commitments worth a staggering ₹6.64 lakh crore, is now ready to showcase its prowess at the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Showcasing Tamil Nadu: A Global Investment Hub
This marks the third consecutive year that Tamil Nadu government officials, now under the leadership of DMK's TRB Rajaa, will grace the stages of Davos. Their presence at the WEF event signifies not just a ceremonial visit but an opportunity to project Tamil Nadu as the ideal global investment destination. The planned events include highlighting the state's economic growth, positioning Tamil Nadu as a sector leader in emerging businesses, and projecting its distinctive approach to governance - the renowned Dravidian model.
Rebuilding Trust and Sustainability: TN's Unique Approach
The theme of this year's WEF, "Rebuilding Trust," aligns seamlessly with Tamil Nadu's focus on building an inclusive and sustainable society. Minister Rajaa emphasized the state's commitment to showcasing a highly skilled talent pool, effective policies, robust infrastructure, and the unique Dravidian model that values diversity, climate awareness, and equity, driving economic prosperity.
"In showcasing our Chief Minister (MK Stalin)'s vision for a $1 trillion economy at Davos, we will also spotlight the successes of the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024," Rajaa remarked.
Guidance Tamil Nadu Lounge: Showcasing Strengths
Tamil Nadu, through its investment promotion agency Guidance Tamil Nadu, has set up a lounge at Promenade 62 and the India Lounge pavilion in Davos. A giant billboard has been strategically installed to highlight the strengths and advantages of the state. Sessions on research and development, innovation, and the knowledge economy, in collaboration with the Swiss-Indo Chamber of Commerce and global conglomerates, are also on the agenda.
From GIM to WEF: The Journey Continues
The recently concluded Global Investors Meet witnessed unprecedented investment commitments, promising to create over 26 lakh jobs in Tamil Nadu. Now, the delegation aims to carry this momentum forward at the World Economic Forum, participating in more than 25 meetings. The state's dynamic industrial ecosystem, exceptional talent pool, and capabilities in various sectors like research and development, electronics, semiconductors, EVs, and quantum computing will take centre stage at this global event.
As the Tamil Nadu delegation navigates the corridors of Davos, the world eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of the success story that began at the Global Investors Meet 2024.
Unveiling the Investment Canvas:
Tamil Nadu's Symphony of Strengths and Statistics Nestled as the 2nd largest economic powerhouse in India, Tamil Nadu beckons with an enchanting investment narrative, painted in hues of strength and adorned with awe-inspiring statistics. Harmony of Economic Brilliance: As the symphony conductor orchestrating India's 2nd largest economy, Tamil Nadu commands an illustrious 8.8% share of the national GDP. In a crescendo of prosperity, the state's GDP crescendo reached a harmonious USD 265 Billion at the finale of 2019-20, a testament to its economic vibrancy and resilience. Canvas of Population and Geography: Hosting a gallery of 70 million souls, Tamil Nadu stands as a vibrant mosaic, contributing 6% to India's population, hinting at a canvas rich with a substantial consumer base. Spread over the 10th largest expanse in the nation (130,000 sq. km), the state's canvas extends graciously along 15% of India's coastline, offering a strategic panorama for trade and development to unfold. Elegance in MSMEs and FDI Ballet:
In a dance of entrepreneurship, over 23.6 lahks registered MSMEs pirouette, creating a vivacious small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem. The investment ballet, totalling Rs. 2.73 lakh crore, tells a tale of resilience and growth. The stage of global confidence is graced by a cumulative FDI investment of USD 32.20 Billion, a reflection of the state's business environment being a beacon of trust since April 2000. Educational Symphony and Literacy Sonata: With 51.8 million literates, Tamil Nadu plays a sonata of intellect, boasting an impressive 80.09% literacy rate. The skilled and educated workforce dances in harmony, ensuring a melodious future. Industrial Overture: Tamil Nadu takes centre stage with the highest number of factories, contributing to 16% of India's industrial symphony and adding a resonating 10% to the country's industrial output. In the grandeur of international trade, the state assumes the role of the 3rd largest exporter, with a magnificent $30 billion in exports during 2019-20, showcasing its pivotal role in India's global trade narrative. Power generation, a virtuoso performance of 31 MW, including 15 MW from renewable sources, underscores a commitment to sustainable and reliable energy, adding a green note to the industrial symphony. Connectivity and Logistics Ballet:
With a choreography of 4 large ports and a multitude of smaller ones, Tamil Nadu pirouettes gracefully, providing a logistical ballet for seamless trade and commerce. The global stage embraces the state with 4 international airports, each equipped with air cargo terminals. These gateways transcend boundaries, connecting Tamil Nadu seamlessly to major international trans-shipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Malaysia. Strategic Location: Poised at the crossroads of major manufacturing ecosystems like China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and ASEAN nations, Tamil Nadu invites international business collaborations, painting an exquisite canvas of global connectivity. Infrastructure and Connectivity: A network of 253,510 km of roadways weaves an intricate tapestry, ensuring efficient intra-state and inter-state connectivity. The state's easy access to major international trans-shipment hubs acts as a magical stroke, enhancing its global competitiveness. In the grand finale, Tamil Nadu emerges as a masterpiece on the canvas of economic landscapes. Its symphony of economic prowess, robust infrastructure, strategic location, and commitment to education make it a captivating destination for investors. The state's ballet of sustainability, coupled with its logistical grace, positions Tamil Nadu as a virtuoso in India's economic concert, offering a melodic crescendo of lucrative opportunities for astute investors.
@Jasikaran Vickneswaramoothy is a legal reporter for the Swiss Financial Times.
