Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who was slated to speak at the session to outline the state government’s priorities, cancelled his visit in view of the model code of conduct.

Speaking at the session, Vikram Bakshi, Member, CII Northern Regional Council, and CEO, McDonalds, made-out a strong case for Himachal Pradesh to focus on development of world-class infrastructure for promotion of tourism and industry.

While industry will be limited to the plains and the industrial estates, he argued, tourism will generate employment in the interior parts of the state. “We must optimise the potential, tourism cannot be ignored.The state has natural beauty and this is what will attract tourists. Eco-friendly tourism will propel Himachal’s growth,” he said.

Need for a satellite township near industrial area, an international airport and social infrastructure needed for IIM and reputed private schools was highlighted by Rajender Guleria, former chairman of the CII (Himachal Pradesh Council). He appreciated the state government’s initiative to provide round-the-clock power supply to industries during the lean winter months to save industrialists from huge losses.

Adding the manpower perspective, Sudhir Kapur, chairman, Skills and Education Sub-Committee (CII Northern region), said bridging the skill gap among the Himachali youth is essential to make them employable in the private sector. “We need to revamp the vocational education system of the state so that it is in sync with the industry requirement,” he suggested.

Speaking on the economic scenario in Himachal Pradesh, Arun Kumar, associate director of Delhi-based consultant firm KPMG Advisory Services, said tax holidays have been of great help in attracting investment. However, tourism and agriculture, the potential key growth drivers, have somehow lagged behind.

Earlier, Chander Shekhar Gupta, chairman, ClI Himachal Pradesh Council, and Managing Director, C.S. Zircon Products, welcomed the CII members and guests at the annual session. He made a brief presentation on the activities of the CII in Himachal Pradesh and initiatives related for skill development, industrial and social infrastructure building.