WEF 2015: Mumbai to be international finance centre, says Devendra Fadnavis

DAVOS: Inspired by Prime Minister Narenda Modi's 'Make in India programme, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said he is working on 'Make in Maharashtra' programme while Mumbai would be developed into a major international finance centre.

"Ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister, the entire atmosphere has changed. States are becoming more and more competitive. Every state is following Make in India programme with their own state-focused initiative," he told PTI.

Fadnavis is here to attend the World Economic Forum meet. Noting that he has visualised 'Make in Maharashtra' programme for his state, he said the focus is on ending entire 'license raj'.

"We have started land reforms and granting of permits have been automated.

"... earlier companies had to wait for years to get permissions for setting up industries while now setting up industries would take only few months. If people don't get permission within a certain period, it would be deemed to be given," Fadnavis said.

Asked about many failed attempts in the past to make Mumbai an international financial centre, he said it would be done for sure.

Responding to a query on whether Mumbai can become a truly international financial centre of global standards within his current tenure, he said he is confident of getting it done.

Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area is already hosting a number of international financial companies and "we want many more to come," he added.

"We are talking to a host of investors. We are working on improving connectivity and infrastructure. With the new set of reforms, Mumbai can be an international financial centre," he said.

According to Fadnavis, his government would develop many more cities around Mumbai.

Fadnavis is expected to hold one-on-one meetings with over 30 global business leaders and would be making presentations on biotechnology and sustainable food and water.