What Are the Results of Stalin’s Foreign Investment Missions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nainar Nagenthran questions the effectiveness of foreign missions.
- Calls for a white paper to detail investments.
- Compares Tamil Nadu's performance with Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Stresses the importance of transparent governance.
- Highlights that foreign trips should not replace effective governance.
Chennai, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu BJP President, Nainar Nagenthran, has raised concerns regarding the concrete results of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s frequent international trips, urging the state government to publish a white paper that clearly outlines the actual investments achieved through these missions.
While offering formal greetings to the Chief Minister during his current visit to Europe, Nagenthran emphasized that although the pursuit of global investments is commendable, the residents of Tamil Nadu are left unsure about the outcomes of previous tours. Since assuming office in 2021, Stalin has made several trips abroad, but the BJP argues that there has been minimal evidence that these excursions have resulted in viable projects.
Nagenthran contrasted Tamil Nadu’s performance with that of other states. For instance, Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has reportedly attracted Rs 7.12 lakh crore without any foreign travel, while Maharashtra, led by Devendra Fadnavis, secured Rs 15 lakh crore investments during just one engagement at Davos.
He pointed out that Stalin’s 2022 visit to Dubai resulted in agreements worth Rs 6,100 crore, none of which have seen implementation. Similarly, agreements made during trips to Singapore and Japan have also stalled. The tour to Spain produced three agreements, while the 2024 trip to the US concluded with 19 agreements valued at Rs 7,500 crore—however, according to the BJP, only one project has actually progressed.
The state BJP president asserted that foreign trips cannot replace effective governance. He believes that genuine job creation for the youth relies on filling vacancies within government departments, enhancing support for start-ups, and restoring faith in law and order. Transparent governance, he asserted, is key to building investor confidence, rather than conducting repeated tours abroad funded by taxpayer money.
Nagenthran insisted that the government must clarify how many agreements have been implemented and how many remain pending. He stated that a detailed white paper would provide clarity to the public and ensure accountability in governance.
As the Chief Minister is currently in Germany and the United Kingdom promoting Tamil Nadu as a global investment hub, the BJP’s request has reignited discussions about whether international tours yield tangible benefits or remain high-profile endeavors without concrete outcomes.