Unfurling the details of `Vision 2010', an ambitious development plan drawn up by the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB), in front of the members of the Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA), Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel held out an open invitation to the industrialists of region to seek out the opportunities presented.

Following an impressive power-point presentation on Vision 2010 by the officials of the GIDB, the Chief Minister pointed out that the state has recently enacted the BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) Law, to facilitate private investment in the state. He said that the law, which is the only of its kind in Asia, will help private investors to shed their uncertainties regarding the future of their investments.

He said that in thisway Gujarat had made the conditions conducive for investment from outside the state and nation. He also highlighted the single-window administration brought about by the way of formation of the GIDB, which will exclusively work for this purpose.

The Chief Minister earlier said that infrastructure development is the most important step for the success of any developmental plan. Reacting to comments by Mohan Agrawal, president of VIA, he also mentioned that changes in some of the older laws, such as those pertaining to Sales Tax and labour are important for making the industrial climate favourable. He assured the members that he would take up the matter with the Central Government and do his best.

Vision 2010's two-phase plan envisages a huge investment opportunity of Rs 1,16,993 crore. About 30 per cent of this amount could be allocated from the state budget. However, 70 per cent of it is open to private investment. The sectors, for which investment is solicitated, include power (Rs 55167 cr), ports (Rs12288 cr), industrial parks (Rs 5045 cr), transport (Rs 26484.5 cr), urban infrastructure (Rs 13529.7 cr), water (Rs 7087 cr), airports (Rs 400 cr), gas grid (Rs 3678.8 cr) and information infrastructure (Rs 400 cr). The figures in the bracket indicate the envisaged investment in the particular sector.

Phase I of the plan will include planning for individual sector, while the second phase will strive to derive inter-sectoral linkages. The implementation of the first phase is already on the way with the following steps completed -- demand-supply gap over next ten years assessed, projects identified, project prioritisation and shelf of projects prepared, investment needs and linkage requirements identified.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Mohan Agrawal. Atul Pande, secretary of VIA, conducted the proceedings, while Pravin Tapadia, vice-president, proposed the vote of thanks. Prafull Doshi and V P Singhania were present on the dais.