Saini in Singapore: Haryana CM pitches data centres, Hisar defence hub to investors

CHANDIGARH. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday asked Singapore’s business leaders to invest in the state, offering openings in data centres, defence manufacturing around Hisar and affordable housing.

Saini made the pitch at the Singapore India Network for Growth (SING) Forum on the second day of his three-day visit, which ends on October 6. Industry leaders from several sectors attended, along with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The state needs to “bring together Singapore’s expertise and the opportunities available in Haryana,” Saini told the gathering. He said his goal was to make Haryana more than an industrial powerhouse and turn it into India’s “Innovation Capital”.

He promised that the government would stand by investors at every step, give them the facilities they need and push for quick completion of projects. He also invited the business leaders to visit Haryana.

Housing got equal attention. Talks covered housing development in Panipat, affordable homes in Gurugram and a housing-for-rent policy, with the aim of making homes easier to afford for ordinary families.

Saini linked the investment drive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ mission. He said Haryana would play a big role in meeting its goals and would keep working to become a major centre for industry and technology.

According to the state government, the company representatives praised Haryana’s investor-friendly policies. Both sides agreed to work together on a better climate for investment, stronger infrastructure and wider use of new technology.

The visit is not only about money. On Sunday, Saini toured Suntec City and Gardens by the Bay to study how Singapore runs large facilities and manages water. He also reviewed a proposal for a world-class convention centre on a 20-acre plot in Gurugram. With a Jungle Safari project planned in Haryana, he was also scheduled to visit Singapore Safari.

The trip also includes round-table meetings with industry groups and one-to-one talks with investors.