With the primary objective of realising Maharashtra’s potential to become an international finance centre, apex industry body ASSOCHAM has launched the Maharashtra-Goa Regional Development Council.

 

In brief, the Council will further strengthen ties with the industry leaders in Maharashtra and Goa as well as with the two State governments. It will align its strategic efforts towards achieving inclusive growth and development by championing thought leadership, driving strategic interventions and creating value for Industry.

 

The focus areas will include positioning Mumbai as an International Finance Centre, Development of Mumbai-Pune-Nashik region as the Silicon Valley of India - hub for hi-tech innovation and also catalyze the development of ‘Smart Cities’ – Greater Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik, Pune, Nagpur, Amravati, Aurangabad and Solapur, a statement from ASSOCHAM said.  

 

It will also concentrate on key growth sectors such as agri-business, financial services, media & entertainment, life sciences & healthcare, design & innovation, education. Also on the sustainable development of Konkan region through focus on eco-tourism and creation of “Indian Riviera”, and promote sustainable mining, hinterland ecotourism, education & hospitality in Goa.

 

Rana Kapoor, President, ASSOCHAM said, “This is definitely a major step towards the industrial and sustainable development of the two major states. We have received a phenomenal response for this initiative from corporate/large/emerging SMEs.”