An MoU was signed in the
presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Hapag-Lloyd Managing Director Jesper
Kanstrup, and other officials on January 31 in Spain, an official release here
said.
The investment is
expected ensure employment opportunities for 1,000 people.
The Chief Minister is
currently on a visit to Spain to attract investments to Tamil Nadu as part of
his efforts to make the state a one trillion US dollar economy by 2030.
Hapag-Llyod’s Director Albert
Lorente and Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T R B Rajaa were among those present
when the pact was inked.
Observing that the efficient
handling of freight transport is essential for widespread industrial
development in Tamil Nadu, the government said it is undertaking various
efforts to develop infrastructure such as setting up container ports, logistics
parks, etc, at the four major ports in Tamil Nadu.
The state government has
already announced a separate policy for this sector — Logistics Policy 2023 —
the release said.
During meetings
with Hapag-Lloyd’s top executives, the chief minister highlighted the
opportunities in Tamil Nadu, seeking their investment. The company has
offered to set up logistics facilities in Thoothukudi and various parts of
Tamil Nadu with an investment of Rs. 2,500 crore.
Stalin also called on Laura
Berjano, International and Institutional Relations Head of Abertis, a road
infrastructure development company, and held a discussion on improving the
roadways in the state.
While emphasising that Tamil
Nadu has the highest road density in India and boasts of high quality road
infrastructure, Stalin said there is
still a need to further improve the infrastructure to promote industrial
development.
“The chief minister requested
Abertis to invest more in the road infrastructure of Tamil Nadu. Abertis has
also expressed interest in investing in Tamil Nadu’s state highway
infrastructure,” the release said.