Shimla, (UNI) Hiachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday interacted with CEOs and entrepreneurs from leading industries in India and abroad at Peterhoff, Shimla, as part of the three-day Him MSME Fest-2026 organised by the Industries Department.
Extensive discussions were held during the conference on the expansion and promotion of industries in the state.
On this occasion, the state government and entrepreneurs signed 37 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for setting up enterprises worth Rs. 10,000 crore.
The Chief Minister said a new industrial policy will be introduced in the state soon. He stated that the state government was continually undertaking new initiatives to develop an investment-friendly ecosystem, enabling Himachal Pradesh to become a reliable and attractive investment destination for investors.
He stated that the Himachal Pradesh government aims to transform the state into a strong economic hub, with progress in green industrialisation, renewable energy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, alongside rural industrialisation.
The Chief Minister said that all 22,000 taxis vehicles running on petrol and diesel in the state will be replaced with electric vehicles in a phased manner. In this regard, the state government is bringing a new scheme under which a 40 per cent subsidy will be provided.
A tender will soon be issued for the operation of buses using green hydrogen fuel in the state. The problems of entrepreneurs related to Section 118 will be resolved.
The state government will also promote the textile industry in the state. He said that the state government will empower the industries established in the state. Logistic costs in industrial areas will be reduced and infrastructure will be strengthened. He said that the state government has already paid its entire share to the central government for the Baddi-Chandigarh railway line.
The Chief Minister said that the investment in the state will be increased. The tourism industry is our special priority, he said. In view of this, connectivity in the state is being improved. Land acquisition for the Kangra airport will be completed by March 31 this year. He said that to encourage the hospitality sector in the state, permission will be granted for the opening of 200 five-star hotels.
The Chief Minister said a world-class city named Him Chandigarh will be developed near Chandigarh in Himachal Pradesh.
He assured the entrepreneurs that uninterrupted 24-hour power supply will be ensured for industries in the state and electricity will be provided at the lowest rates. The Chief Minister urged the industrialists to sign the implementation agreements soon.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the industrial infrastructure in the state was being continuously strengthened. Under this, facilities like MSE Pharma Lab, MSME Technology Center, gas connectivity in major industrial areas, skill development centres in Baddi and Una and CIPET are being developed.
“Looking towards the future, our vision is to build a strong and competitive state, the foundation of which is based on a robust MSME base, sustainable industrial parks, a vibrant start-up culture and future-oriented skill development for our youth.
The Chief Minister said that a significant achievement for the state is the Bulk Drug Park in Una, which has received final environmental clearance for an area of 568.75 hectares. He said that this park, with a capital cost of Rs. 2071 crore, has the potential to attract investments ranging from Rs. 8000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore and create approximately 15,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
He said that listening to the views of the participants and learning from their experiences has been a very enriching and inspiring experience. He added that the state is moving in the right direction and has initiated dialogue with leading industry stakeholders who share their vision and will play a crucial role in realising it.
The Chief Minister assured the entrepreneurs that the state government was fully committed to the progress of the state and would provide all possible support in the establishment and development of their industrial ventures.
Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said liberal policies are being formulated for the development of industries in the state so that industrial development, along with job creation and economic growth, can be promoted.
He said all possible assistance is being provided to entrepreneurs in the state and various rules and procedures have been simplified. He gave detailed information about the various incentives being offered to industries. UNI ML SSP
