After BJP criticism, Govt defends Europe visit with promising investment proposals for Jharkhand
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, May 5: In response to criticism from the opposition BJP regarding the recent Europe visit, senior officials…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 5: In response to criticism from the opposition BJP regarding the recent Europe visit, senior officials from the Jharkhand government held a press conference on Monday to present key outcomes of the investment promotion tour to Spain and Sweden. Led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the delegation returned with several high-value investment proposals and renewed global interest in the state’s potential across sectors.
Landmark Proposal: €170 Million Conference Centre in Ranchi
Industry Secretary Arwa Rajkamal announced that a proposal has been received to develop a world-class conference and trade exhibition centre in Ranchi, inspired by Barcelona’s Fira de Barcelona International Convention Center. The proposed investment, estimated between €120 to €170 million, could significantly enhance the state’s business infrastructure and positioning.
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European Interest in Energy, Manufacturing, and Sports
Tesla Group S, based in Spain, expressed interest in investing €150 million to establish a battery storage production facility in Jharkhand, modeled on their existing Giga factory project in Romania.
RCD Espanyol, a Spanish football club, proposed signing an MoU to train football coaches in Jharkhand, part of broader efforts to develop grassroots sports infrastructure and talent in the state.
In Sweden, the delegation met with over 50 global investors to showcase Jharkhand’s strengths in manufacturing, clean energy, mineral processing, and electric vehicle production. During a visit to Volvo’s truck plant in Gothenburg, the chief minister invited the company to set up a manufacturing unit in Jharkhand to meet growing demand in the mining sector.
“Brand Jharkhand” Gains Global Exposure
Addressing the press, Arwa Rajkamal emphasised that improving the state’s international visibility is crucial to boosting foreign investment. “Jharkhand contributes 2.5% to India’s GDP, yet receives only 0.98% of foreign direct investment. This visit aimed to change that,” he said.
He also revealed that seven investment proposals have been received within a week of the delegation’s return — a strong indication, he said, of the visit’s success.
Cultural Exchange and Tourism Plans
In Barcelona, the delegation met with FC Barcelona executives and visited the De Gava Museum, a former mining site transformed into a geological museum. Inspired by this, the chief minister has proposed developing a similar site in Chaibasa to boost geo-tourism in Jharkhand.
This marked the first foreign delegation by the state government in nearly a decade. Officials stated that consistent follow-up with international partners will be key to sustaining momentum.
Officials in Attendance
The press conference was attended by Industry Director Sushant Gaurav, Mining Commissioner Rahul Kumar Sinha, JIDCO Managing Director Varun Ranjan, and other departmental officials.
