Jaipur, 10 July. Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje has said that for a better tomorrow, we need better infrastructure. Infrastructure is more than not just about business, it is important in improving the lives of people. Smt. Raje was addressing the opening session of the meeting with French investors at SMS Convention centre on Tuesday.

Smt. Raje said Rajasthan in one of the fastest growing states in the country and is emerging as the preferred destination for business. The key areas of the strength in Rajasthan include mineral based industries, textile, tourism, solar and wind power, agro food processing and gems & jewellery and the state enjoys distinct advantage in these sectors, she said.

The Chief Minister said our mission is to raise Rajasthan’s standard on global map and to move towards development and prosperity. Our government is committed to providing comprehensive and inclusive development in the state, she said. Involving private sector in building public infrastructure adds to the responsibility on government at all levels and taking policy decisions we have started working at all levels, she added.

Smt. Raje said with nearly 39 percent of Dehli-Mumbai Industrial Corridor passing through Rajasthan the state has opportunities for boost in development. Smt. Raje said under DMIC project the government has proposed smart cities with modern infrastructure. The first such smart city will be built at Khushkhera in Alwar district, she said.

The Chief Minister said strengthening social and economic infrastructure is in the priority of the state government and keeping this in view plans for involvement of private sector in construction of major infrastructure especially roads, power plants and irrigation has been in priority.

Smt. Raje said Rajasthan has ample opportunities for solar and wind energy. The state shines on the solar map of India with more than 300 sunny days. Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are the key regions receiving the best isolation, she said. She said several French firms were already active in the state in solar energy sector. She was hopeful that the interactions with the representatives of French companies would be productive and fruitful.

Special representative of France for Economic Relations with India Misseur Paul Harmalaan said Rajasthan has emerged as the core destination for investment. The state has ample opportunities in renewable energy, urban development, urban transport and tourism. He said after Karnataka the French companies have started for Rajasthan as a trajectory. He said Rajasthan is a part of vibrant India and a state where investment can be made.

Principal Secretary Industry Smt. Veenu Gupta gave a detailed presentation on ‘Rajasthan’s strength as a preferred destination for investment’.

Ambassador of France to India Misseur Fransoa Richiye, PWD Minister Shri Yunus Khan, Energy Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of various departments were present during the meeting.