CHENNAI: Indicative of his growing stature and independence in the ruling AIADMK, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami will visit the US and the UK on a 13-day mission from August 28 to attract more direct foreign investments (FDI) to the state, a privilege that eluded even his predecessor ‘Amma’ and former
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Hoping to build on the brand strength of the second 'Global Investors Meet (GIM)' held here in January, Palanaiswami — the first GIM was held when 'Amma' was Chief Minister in 2016 — in a follow-up action has chalked out an intensive tour of these two important trade partners of India and who have considerable business interests in Tamil Nadu as well.
Palaniswami, who will be accompanied by some of his cabinet colleagues who hold key portfolios like Industry and top officials of various related departments, is scheduled to leave for London from here via Dubai. On August 29, the Chief Minister will interact with investors in healthcare sector — an area that interests the UK as Tamil Nadu with its quality healthcare is an attractive destination of medical tourism — in London.
On August 30, Palaniswami will meet with investors in the energy sector in Glasgow. He then flies to the US where the Chief Minister's first engagement will be at Buffalo on September 1, to seek views on development of the dairy industry and animal husbandry. Taking pride that he is an "ordinary farmer" from Salem, Palaniswami is keen to hear out experts on new developments in these fields.
On September 3, Palaniswami will meet with potential investors in New York and also meet Tamil NRI investors separately on the same day. There will be an interaction with a select group of investors in San Francisco on September 4, where he also meets potential entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu settled there. On September 5, he goes to Telsa where he will go around the industries there.
After a halt at Los Angeles on September 7, the Chief Minister will return home on September 9, sources said.
The state ministers who will be joining Palaniswami at different legs of his foreign tour include health minister C Vijayabhaskar, industries minister M. C. Sampath, dairy development minister Rajendthra Bhalaji and revenue minister R.B. Udhayakumar.
