Thursday, January 18, 2007

Tier-2 Karnataka cities get funds

Times Of India
Bangalore: If the IT boom has to reach tier-II cities, isn’t it best to follow the Bangalore example? This is what chief minister H D Kumaraswamy is aiming to do.
Identifying the International Technology Park Bangalore (ITPB), set up through a tie-up with Singapore in 1994 as the root of Bangalore’s success, Kumaraswamy has sought to set up similar parks in tier-II cities. “I have spoken to a Singapore government representative for tie-ups and public-private partnerships for technology parks and infrastructure in tier-II cities like Belgaum, Mysore and Mangalore. I have also asked for the setting up of a Singapore consulate in Bangalore,’’ the CM said on Wednesday.

Discussions with the Singapore representative is part of the CM’s one-onone meetings with foreign dignitaries under the CII Partnership Summit. Other than Singapore, Kumaraswamy met representatives of Kuwait and South Korea to discuss bilateral trade and investment.
The CM said he has requested Kuwaiti assistance and investment in oil exploration and processing along the state’s coastal areas. “The Kuwaiti representative was very forthcoming and even told me there were more South Indians in Kuwait than Kuwaitis!’’ he added.

The South Koreans are looking at mutual trade and investment in the fertiliser and steel sector. Kumaraswamy said there’s a proposal for a steel mill to be set up off Seoul in South Korea.
Bidadi township soon
The first of the CM’s dream satellite townships appears set to take off: 32 major players have put in bids to develop the Bidadi township. The bids are for construction of residences, development of industries, shopping malls, etc. The aim is to decongest Bangalore.

“We are processing the bids. Some companies have also expressed interest in another township at Nandagudi in Hoskote,’’ the CM said.
There is, however, opposition from farmers who fear the compensation paid to them will not be adequate. Kumaraswamy said he will try to resolve these doubts: “We are setting up the township 30 km out of Bangalore keeping the land rates in mind. But farmers in Bidadi are those who voted for me, I will protect their interests more than that of capitalist investors.’

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