Mumbai, February 10 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that the state continues to be the leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, noting that this influx of capital has surpassed all previous records.

He emphasized that an industry-friendly environment has been established in Maharashtra, transforming economic pursuits into a vibrant movement that has spurred remarkable investment levels.

Fadnavis made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a function commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Loksatta newspaper.

The Chief Minister disclosed that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at Rs 30 lakh crore were inked at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with agreements worth Rs 12 lakh crore already finalized.

The state government is committed to entering agreements only where foreign investments are guaranteed, ensuring that every signed MoU translates into direct foreign investment within the state.

He highlighted that Maharashtra's pavilion at Davos attracted significant attention from global investors, making it a standout among the 10 Indian states present.

According to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the state has achieved a 75 percent conversion rate from agreements made in Davos to actual industrial projects.

To enhance the Ease of Doing Business, the state is executing the "Hundred Reforms in Two Months" initiative. These reforms aim to further solidify the industry-friendly climate and draw in more investors. The MAITRI Portal has been launched as a single-window system for industries. Furthermore, industrial development is being decentralized, bringing investments to even the most remote areas of Maharashtra.

As per CM Fadnavis, Gadchiroli is emerging as the "Steel City of India", while Nagpur has established itself as a key center for the automobile sector.

"A prominent company has invested Rs 15,000 crore in Nagpur, where it is launching the largest automobile manufacturing project in India's history," he stated.

"The largest capacity for electric vehicle manufacturing in the country is being set up in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, focusing on next-generation electric vehicles. Investments secured at Davos will benefit all five districts of North Maharashtra. The Nardana Industrial Estate in Dhule district is projected to become a hub for future industries, and even less developed districts like Nandurbar are experiencing industrial growth," he added.

The Chief Minister stressed that the state government's aim is not solely on industrialization but also on cultivating a robust industrial ecosystem.

To promote a reading culture among students, he announced that a new initiative will encourage every student to read at least one newspaper regularly.

Moreover, he mentioned that Phase-2 of the 'Aaple Sarkar' portal will be operational by May 1, 2026.

Currently, around 1,000 government services are available online, with 29 of these catering to the needs of 99 percent of citizens. If these services are provided in a simplified, responsible, and efficient manner, citizens may not need to visit government offices, which will enhance public satisfaction. E-governance has already invigorated government services, and Artificial Intelligence will be utilized to further improve this efficiency.