Bengaluru. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday urged companies from the Czech Republic to expand investment beyond Bengaluru to other districts in the state. He highlighted opportunities in several sectors while assuring investors of support.
DK Shivakumar said, “Karnataka will be a long-term partner of the Czech Republic. Czech companies should not limit their investments to Bengaluru only, but should explore opportunities in various districts of Karnataka.”
He was speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. DK Shivakumar said that Karnataka is one of the leading states in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and floriculture and urged the delegation to consider the state as a potential investment destination.
The Chief Minister said Karnataka is home to some of the largest solar power plants and oldest hydroelectric facilities in the country. Given the substantial energy requirements of the state, there is considerable scope for investment in this sector.
He also invited Czech companies to explore cooperation in automobile components, electric vehicles (EVs), next generation mobility, testing and specialized manufacturing. CM Shivakumar said that he has been informed about the Czech delegation’s interest in investing in the aerospace sector. Such initiatives could open up further avenues of cooperation between Karnataka and the Czech Republic.
The Chief Minister said the Karnataka government is supporting interested companies through Invest Karnataka, Karnataka Udyog Mitra, Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) and the state’s single-window clearance system.
He said these mechanisms help companies assess suitable locations, understand the approval processes applicable and coordinate with relevant government departments. “Attracting investments that bring technology, strengthen local industry, create quality employment and support exports is our priority,” CM Shivakumar said. He said that the Czech business community and CheckTrade can act as a bridge between the Czech companies and the Government of Karnataka.
He also highlighted the role of the Czech Business Incubator, CzechTrade office in Bengaluru and Czech industrial clusters in fostering business relationships, identifying local partners and helping Czech companies understand investment opportunities in Karnataka.