Industry hails TN steps for industrial growth

Industry associations in Coimbatore have welcomed the announcements made by the Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa like establishment of a National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) and schemes for skill development as these would propel the industrial activity in the state.

The industry here also has also pitched for the establishment of a NIMZ at Coimbatore since the district is already industrially developed.

In a statement, Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia) President E K Ponnuswamy said the Chief Minister’s announcement of the promotion of bio park III at Coimbatore would give a boost to the region.

The bio park, spread over 10 acres at an investment of ₹55 crore, will provide employment to 500 scientists and indirect employment to many others.

Referring to the announcement of the Chief Minister that registration of new industries under the Factories Act and the issue of licences/renewals would be done online, he said this would simplify the process involved.

This is particularly beneficial to the long term growth of MSMEs as they can complete the formalities faster. The creation of a web portal for this purpose would also enable the people to know about the government schemes.

The move to establish five more ITIs would lead to availability of more skilled people, he said. D Nandakumar, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore (ICCIC), said steps announced by the Chief Minister like the establishment of NIMZ in Ramanathapuram district at a ₹6525 crore investment, a medical park near Chengalpattu and a TICEL Bio-Park in Coimbatore at the cost of ₹55 crore would all boost manufacturing and services activities in the State.

However, he pointed out that ICCIC had represented to the Central and State Governments for locating a NIMZ in Coimbatore too as it was an industrial city.

He said in several states more than one NIMZ had been established and wanted Tamil Nadu also to followthis example.

This would lead to a mega industrial development here, he said.

Hailing the move for a new scheme for skill development that seeks to provide training with employment in MSMEs, he said this would contribute to the rapid growth of MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.