While Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had to pull out at the last minute, a high-level Karnataka delegation led by Industries Minister MB Patil has officially taken off for Switzerland. The team is heading to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, which runs from January 19 to 23, with a very specific mandate: stop talking about "interest" and start talking about "execution."
Minister Patil made it clear before boarding that this trip isn't just about shaking hands. He emphasised on an "execution-first" strategy, aiming to turn those vague investment promises into actual factories and offices on ground. The schedule is grueling, with over 45 high-level meetings. The delegation is set to sit down with global heavyweights like Amazon Web Services, Lenovo, Coca-Cola, and Vast Space, alongside representatives from Imperial College London and the Singapore Economic Development Board.
The pitch to these global players isn't just about the state's potential; it’s about its readiness. Patil and his team plan to showcase Karnataka’s "plug-and-play" infrastructure, with emphasis on land availability, and a robust pool of talent. "Our effort is to move investment intent swiftly toward filings, approvals, and land allotments," the Minister noted, signaling that the state wants to see real activity, not just signatures on a Memorandum of Understanding.
To hammer this point home, the delegation is hosting a dedicated session called 'Karnataka’s Emerging Industry Advantage.' It’s designed to prove that the state can support faster project commissioning than its competitors.
Patil isn't traveling alone; he’s backed by a team of senior bureaucrats, including Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, Industries Secretary S Selvakumar, and BDA Commissioner Manivannan. Together, they are hoping to bring back a portfolio of projects that are ready to break ground almost immediately.
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