Chennai: The state govt said in a statement that chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s maiden foreign tour has succeeded in its objective of establishing Tamil Nadu as an ideal investment and industrial growth hub in the world.Vijay’s trip to London trip was a “milestone” in attracting foreign investments and generating employment for youth in the state, said the statement, which was issued after CM returned to Chennai on Thursday.Govt said the visit has fetched more than ₹15,300 crore in investment commitments, which included an MoU inked with Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd for an investment of ₹11,000 crore, promising more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.“A leading European auto-component manufacturer has expressed interest in setting up its first manufacturing plant in India in TN. The company submitted a letter of intent for a proposed ₹3,000 crore investment, with TN as its preferred location. The CM assured govt’s support and cooperation to the company,” the statement said without naming the firm.Govt said the Hinduja Group and Finolex reiterated their commitment to continue investments and expand business in the state. Group chairperson Dheeraj Hinduja and senior executives discussed the progress of the ₹2,500 crore MoU signed at the ‘Vettri’ Tamil Nadu Investors Meet in Aug, the statement said. The group expressed interest in increasing investments in renewable energy, particularly wind power, and discussed ways to increase exports of commercial vehicles manufactured in TN.The statement said that MoUs were signed with Wilson Power Solutions for an investment of ₹300 crore in Tiruvallur, with Sweden’s Sigma Technology Group for expansion of its global capability centres (GCC) in Trichy and Chennai, and with Ernst & Young for setting up a GCC.Govt said officials from Guidance Tamil Nadu held discussions with 10 leading companies and five stakeholders from sectors including aerospace and defence, chemicals, logistics, construction, financial services, retail and legal services.A delegation from the UK aerospace and defence is expected to visit Hosur, while Northern England Mayoral Space Authority (NEMSA) delegation is scheduled to visit Chennai in Oct, the statement added.During the visit, Vijay highlighted the opportunities emerging from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and urged companies to use the agreement to expand investment, trade, raw-material procurement and business cooperation with TN. Govt would prepare a report identifying opportunities for the state under CETA, said the statement.Vijay thanked actor and racer Ajith Kumar, officials and the Tamil diaspora who received him with warmth and hosted him.
