BANGALORE: Investors in Oman and Abu Dhabi have shown keen interest in making investments in Karnataka, particularly Bangalore.

Making the announcement here on Monday on his return from a trip to Muscat and Abu Dhabi, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Minister for Medical Education V.S. Acharya and he met several business leaders and investors during their visit and they expressed interest in making investments in the State.

The delegation led by him visited the Internet City in Abu Dhabi and made a presentation on investment opportunities in the State. Businessmen were informed that the Government was formulating a new industrial policy and would encourage public-private partnerships in projects.

Tier-two cities

He highlighted the development of tier-two cities in the State and drew the attention of prospective investors to the scope of infrastructure development for the tourism sector. The Planning Minister of Abu Dhabi informed the delegation that the Government of the emirate and businessmen were keen on investing in basic infrastructure in the State.

Mr. Kumaraswamy, Dr. Acharya and members of the delegation participated in functions organised by Kannadigas in Muscat and Abu Dhabi in connection with the "Suvarna Karnataka: celebrations. The Chief Minister met the Minister for Commerce and Industry of Oman and invited him to visit a Confederation of Indian Industry Partnership Summit in Bangalore in January next year. As part of preparation for the summit, Oman agreed to send a delegation to the State in September. A memorandum of understanding would be signed between Oman and the State, Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

Education

Kannadigas living in the Gulf countries expressed concern over the education of their children, particularly in the medical and engineering streams, in the State. He promised to look into the problems of the students next academic year.

Mr. Kumaraswamy was urged to take steps to upgrade the Mangalore airport and operate more flights between Mangalore and the Gulf nations. He said he would hold talks with the Centre on introduction of more flights. Because of shortage of aircraft, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry was operating only a few flights from Mangalore, he said.

Export of milk

The Government, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, planned to export milk and butter to Gulf countries. Karnataka was in second position in milk production in the country, he said.

He said a company in Abu Dhabi had shown interest in participating in a project to check sea erosion in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

During interactions, Kannadigas complained that real-estate agents in Bangalore had cheated them.

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