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Our Correspondent

Madurai, Nov. 28 The Confederation of Indian Industry is organising the second edition of SPEED (Southern Prosperity through Enhanced Economic Development) Conference here on December 5 and 6.

The first conference was held in 2006.

Addressing a press meet here on Friday, Mr T. Kannan, Chairman, SPEED 2008, and Managing Director, Thiagarajar Mills Ltd, said the second edition has become necessary as the expected progress was yet to materialise in the industrialisation of the southern districts.

Except for the announcement of two software parks, no sufficient private investment has come forth, he said.

Since holding the first conference, the State Government has become aggressive in favouring the southern districts but the expectation of a big ticket investment to give a push to the process has not materialised, said Mr R. Dinesh, Co-Chairman, SPEED 2008, and Joint Managing Director, TV Sundram Iyengar and Son Ltd.

Lack of connectivity was adduced as a stumbling block but the situation has improved with more flights in operation from Madurai. Only an announcement as an international airport is awaited. Moreover, the region has the potential with more than 10,000 engineers qualifying for employment from southern districts. The second conference is to bring more awareness about the favourable aspects in the region and inform that investment will have value, he said.

The two-day Conference will focus on the development of skills, tourism and healthcare sectors.

It has also been planned to hold Connect Madurai 2008 to highlight the IT and ITES development possibilities.

A study by KPMG on how other countries develop the areas would be presented and a CD on the advantages in the southern districts would be released.

Industry captains will be participating in a debate on whether the incentives or the infrastructure helped development.

Top officials at the Secretary level from the Government and industry captains such as Mr Seshasayee, Mr Venu Srinivasan are participating, he added.

More Stories on : Economy | Events | Tamil Nadu

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