The Hindu Business Line : `SPEED 2006' to be held in Madurai from Dec 3-6

FAST TRACK: Mr T. Kannan, Chairman of SPEED-2006, flanked by Mr R. Dinesh, Co-Chairman, and Mr Ligi George, Chairman, CII Madurai Zone, during a meeting in Madurai. — S. James

Madurai , Nov. 29

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Madurai Zone, in an initiative to showcase south Tamil Nadu as an attractive and the next wise investment destination in the State, is organising a three-day exhibition, SPEED 2006, at Tamukkam grounds in the city from December 1 to 3.

A follow-up of an in-depth study `Southern Prosperity through Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED)' carried out by CII earlier, the initiative is aimed at bringing a greater focus and momentum to the cost-competitive investment opportunities in diverse areas in the 10 southern districts, said Mr T. Kannan, Managing Director, Thiagarajar Mills Ltd, Madurai, at a press meet here.

The region has attracted huge infrastructure investments exceeding Rs 33,000 crore and the literacy rate and human development index were well ahead of State average. The turnout from the engineering colleges in the region was around 6,000 every year. The cost of expenses on various items compared to metros was 15 per cent to 20 per cent lower. The inherent strength and capabilities of the region should provide a platform for partnership and networking with foreign and domestic companies, he said. While 70 exhibitors would be participating in the event, participation of 15 chief executive officers, especially from IT sector in Chennai and Bangalore, would be a high point, Mr Kannan, who is also the Chairman of SPEED 2006, said.

Mr R. Dinesh, Executive Director, T.V.Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Ltd, Madurai, and Co-Chairman, SPEED 2006, said besides buyer-seller meets, there would be two conferences — `Connect Madurai' on IT relating to investment opportunities and on industry and medical tourism.

The aim is to attract certain initiatives in IT and manufacturing sectors with a potential to create 1,000 and more jobs in a year. Madurai Travel Mart would be hosting 15 travel writers from various countries to draw attention to the tourism potential. A model village with 25 artisans showcasing their artworks will be part of the exhibition, he said.

The Chairman, CII Madurai Zone, Mr Ligi George, said the State Health Minister, Mr K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, would attend the event, co-sponsored by the Government of Tamil Nadu, on the first day while the Union Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, would be present on December 3.

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