Invest Karnataka kicks off

BENGALURU: While the state has been able to attract the largest volume of investments across the country, the biggest challenge before Karnataka today is creation of jobs, Minister for Large and Medium Industries R V Deshpande said.

The state government, which has already created around 14 lakh jobs as on May (most of which are in the SME sector), is looking at creating another 5 lakh jobs by next year, he added. He was interacting with the audience during the inauguration of Invest Karnataka here on Thursday.

“Today, the biggest challenge is creation of jobs. We have to find ways to create jobs along with embracing Industry 4.0. By 2025, India will have the youngest population. The state needs job creators and first generation entrepreneurs,” he said.  

Talking about investment opportunities in Karnataka, Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director, Volvo Group, said Karnataka is the first choice for companies today. The skilled workforce, educational institutions, academic infrastructure and an accessible government paired with good weather and the law and order situation, is attraction for the industry, Bali said.

The two-day summit saw participation of several medium and small industries beginning from aerospace to semi-conductors and handlooms. The government aims to provide a platform for these companies to reach out to larger number of consumers through the summit.