Tata interested in Bhutan’s development

February 11 – Tata group would like to increase its presence in Bhutan in areas beyond hydropower projects, and not necessarily for money, the chairman of India’s industrial and commercial giant, Tata group, Ratan Tata, told Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley.

Calling on the prime minister in Gyalyong Tshokhang yesterday, Ratan Tata said that Tata Group has always looked at national development as more important than running business. He said he appreciated Bhutan’s desire to maintain its traditional roots and at the same time create prosperity for its people.

“The chemistry is very conducive and I hope hydropower is just the tip of iceberg,” he said, adding that Tata group would be interested in looking at ideas in which Tata can participate in Bhutan’s development. “We’re very willing to participate, not necessary to make money,” he said.

He lauded Bhutan for its goal to create a knowledge-based society propelled by information technology. “Many things can be done,” he said. “I’m quite enthusiastic.” Although the visit was short, he said “I’ve already fallen in love with your country.”

The prime minister said Tata’s involvement would be welcome. An entity that has played a tremendously important role in India’s development, Tata group, he said, could guide, advise and support Bhutan in many areas. “A country like Bhutan would be happy to be adopted by Tata,” he said.

The prime minister presented a gist of Bhutan’s development priorities and goals, including the need to deepen the roots of democracy. He said Bhutan aimed to be economically self-reliant through investments in hydropower, tourism, organic branding and positioning itself as a regional service hub in the fields of finance, education and health.

source: kuensel