UAE Expresses Interest in Tourism and Green Energy Investments in Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Invites UAE Firms to Explore Key Sectors.
Shimla:
Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday to explore potential investment opportunities in the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister extended an invitation to UAE firms to invest in crucial sectors such as tourism, hospitality, green energy, dairy, food processing, and data storage.
CM Sukhu highlighted the unique investment opportunities Himachal Pradesh offers, emphasizing its picturesque landscapes, which include vast snow-covered regions, hills, and water bodies. To further boost tourism, the state government is developing several key infrastructure projects, including new ropeways, an expanded Kangra Airport, four-lane roads, and heliports aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing the state’s appeal as a prime destination for investment.
The UAE Ambassador expressed strong interest in investing in the tourism sector, particularly in adventure sports and skiing. He revealed that the UAE has already identified potential locations within the state for investment and is open to further suggestions from the Himachal Pradesh Government regarding additional sites.
Chief Minister Sukhu also shared that Himachal Pradesh is on track to become a Green Energy hub by next year. Over the past two years, the state government has implemented several initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and boosting green energy production. These include launching new solar power projects, developing six green corridors, and transitioning all state-owned diesel buses to electric buses in a phased approach. With 25% of India’s hydroelectric potential, the state presents significant opportunities for investments in solar energy and pump storage projects.
The Ambassador expressed interest in collaborating with Himachal Pradesh on green energy initiatives, citing UAE’s existing involvement in India’s green energy sector. He also requested details of specific projects for coordination with the state government.
The Chief Minister further invited UAE firms to invest in food processing, cold storage, and smart city projects, particularly in urban planning and infrastructure development across the state’s towns. Both parties agreed to expedite progress on these initiatives, with plans to appoint nodal officers to oversee implementation.
Additionally, the UAE Ambassador confirmed that a technical team from the UAE would soon visit Himachal Pradesh to assess the proposed projects, paving the way for further action. A follow-up meeting between the officers of both parties will take place thereafter to ensure smooth coordination.
The meeting was attended by various senior officials, including Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Principal Advisor (IT and Innovation) Gokul Butail, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and Economic Affairs Specialist of UAE Rasheed Amiri, among others.
