Himachal invites UAE to invest in tourism, green energy, dairy

Shimla, March 5 (IANS) Ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, Dr Abdulnasser Alshaali, on Wednesday called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and discussed potential investment opportunities in the state. 

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invited the UAE to invest in key sectors in Himachal Pradesh like tourism and hospitality, green energy, dairy, food processing and data storage.

CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh offers unique investment opportunities as it has breathtaking landscapes with vast snow-bound areas, mountains and water bodies.

To enhance tourism infrastructure, the Himachal Pradesh government is developing multiple ropeways, expanding the airport in Kangra, constructing new four-lane roads and heliports to improve connectivity for visitors, which would make Himachal a favourite destination for investment.

The Ambassador evinced keen interest to invest in the tourism sector particularly adventure sports and skiing.

He said the UAE has already identified potential locations for investment and welcomed suggestions from the Himachal Pradesh government for additional sites.

CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh is on track to become the green energy state by next year.

Over the past two years, the government has taken significant steps to protect the environment and harness green energy.

These initiatives include setting up of new solar power projects, developing six green corridors and converting the state-run diesel buses to e-buses in a phased manner.

He said Himachal Pradesh has 25 per cent of the hydropower generation potential of the country and has opportunities to invest in solar energy and pump storage projects.

The envoy said his country is already involved in the green energy sector in India and expressed interest in collaborating with Himachal Pradesh on green energy projects.

CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh is leading in natural farming and is also promoting dairy industries.

He invited UAE firms to invest in food processing and cold chains, smart city projects and modern urban planning in towns.