I have always dreamt of making Maharashtra a global state. As soon as I took over the reins of the state, I began concentrating on this aspect. I am glad that with our consistent efforts and focused approach, we are moving on the right path. That Maharashtra is the most favoured destination for foreign direct investment is an acknowledged fact now.

In the past three-and-a-half years, our state has been successful in attracting an investment of US $30 billion in mega projects. During this period, we have signed MoUs with 95 companies of national and international repute like Tatas, Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Infosys, LG, Mahindra & Mahindra and Daimler and Chrysler.

During this period, the state got approval for 119 SEZ projects —the highest in the country. Most of the SEZ projects in the state will be set up on land already acquired by state government-run corporations — the MIDC and the CIDCO.

SEZ projects will be set up in all parts of Maharashtra and once in operation, they will transform the economic fortunes of the state. I am confident that all these projects will provide large-scale opportunities of employment and self-employment to lakhs of youngsters in my state, thus achieving the objectives of ‘inclusive growth.’

Mumbai has always been the financial capital of India and over the years it has consolidated its position. We have drawn an ambitious plan to transform Mumbai into a world-class metropolis with the assistance of the Union Government and with support from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

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