Ranchi: Chief minister Hemant Soren returned from his foreign tour on Wednesday, marking the end of a 13-day diplomatic mission aimed at attracting investments to the state.
The CM, along with an 11-member delegation, embarked on a tour to Spain and Sweden on April 18, where they engaged with potential investors and explored opportunities for the economic growth of Jharkhand.
This was Hemant's first major attempt to woo global investors after assuming the CM's office for the second consecutive term in Nov, 2024. Among many fruitful meetings with global investors, Tesla Group's positive nod to set up a GIGA factory in Jharkhand was the highlight of the investment tour, to assemble commercial and industrial battery storage products. The CM met Dusan Lichardus, CEO and Co-founder of Tesla Group AS of Czechoslovakia.
During the tour, the delegation first stepped into Spain on April 19, where they met entrepreneurs from the Indian diaspora and Spanish dignitaries. The team, led by the CM, held key meetings with investors and FC Barcelona (FCB) for future collaborations. They met the vice-president of FC Barcelona, Elena Fort, and engaged in discussions focused on a potential partnership to nurture sporting talent from Jharkhand, boost training, and improve sports infrastructure.
The delegation also observed the ongoing redevelopment project of Spotify Camp Nou, which will make it the largest stadium in the entire Europe after its completion. On April 20, the delegation took an insightful visit to the Gavà Museum of Mines in Barcelona, to explore ancient mining techniques and relics of the Neolithic age.
The chief minister attended a high tea reception hosted by the Consulate General of India in Barcelona, joined by Indian CEOs based in Barcelona. Soren engaged in discussions focused on investment opportunities in Jharkhand, fostering innovation ecosystems, research and development in indigenous medicine, cooperative training in sports, and start-up collaborations.
The CM, on April 22, interacted with a delegation representing multiple sectors such as startup mentorship, clean energy, environmental sustainability, biopharmaceuticals, and others, and eminent personalities of Indian origin in Barcelona.
While in Sweden, the CM delegation visited a Volvo Truck plant in Gothenburg and interacted with the officials at the plant. Discussions were held on the possibility of Volvo setting up a truck manufacturing unit in Jharkhand, along with the state's requirements in trucks and dumpers for mining operations.
Apart from this, the CM addressed global investors in Gothenburg, Sweden, highlighting Jharkhand's immense potential in manufacturing, mining, and clean energy. Over 50 industry leaders joined the event hosted by the Indian Embassy in Sweden.