Karnataka want investments from Gulf

Muscat - The potential of Karnataka as an ideal investment state was put forth by captain Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman of the Government appointed NRI Forum Karnataka, who visited Oman from Tuesday to Friday. He appealed to Oman NRIs to take advantage of the good industrial climate of the state and invest in areas of their interest.

According to Aftab H. Kola, a key member of the Karnataka Business Forum-Oman, Capt Karnik was so positive with the establishment of the KBF that he offered full support. Says Aftab Kola, 'the Karnataka Business Forum-Muscat, under the patronage Embassy of India, will be the premier Business forum representing people from different walks of life. Very soon, it will be launched formally.'

The key members include Mr. Aftab H. Kola, Mr. G. V. Ramakrishna, Mr.S. V. R. Kamath, Mr. R. Vijay Kumar and Mr. N. Shankar. Karnik said that the KBF will take cognisance of the huge potential of Karnataka NRIs who are keen to participate in any initiative that could lead to the betterment of their compatriots back home and promote economic activity among members and promote entrepreneurship skills among the youth.'

At a luncheon meeting held by the Karnataka Business Forum-Muscat Capt Karnik said, 'This is the sort of a forum the government is looking for. We will offer our full support to the Karnataka Business Forum and we hope to work together to bring in more investments for projects and this will be an ideal platform for networking among Karnataka people based in Oman and subsequently connected to the Karnataka worldwide diaspora.'

He added that core sectors which the government is looking for are in Information Technology, Tourism, Infrastructure (growth engine), power, gems and jewellery, readymade garments and textiles, etc.'

In a determined bid to address the issue of labour-class migrants to GCC countries, the Karnataka government has set up Migration Facilitation Centres. Karnik said that these centres, to be established soon, will be working in Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli.

- Bhatkallys News Service, Nov 13,2010