Despite an official MoU signed between the two nations in 2015 agreeing on a Chinese Industrial Park in Gujarat, the plan remains on paper. Nearly 55 hectares of land was allotted at Sanand but little has moved beyond.
Sometime in 2019, private player CASME Industrial Park Development Pvt Ltd entered the scene. Another 200 acres of land was earmarked for the purpose at Sachana village, Sanand.
However, insiders brief that the state government is not directly involved in the land acquisition deals. It is “merely facilitating the park which, in turn will lead to employment and income generation,” explained sources in the administration.
What then ails the progress? “India and China’s diplomatic ties hit rock bottom with the Galwan issue. Then, the covid backlash also saw India boycotting Chinese brands and apps. All this has led to a stalemate of sorts. We hope the plan is revived because nearly 15,000 new jobs will be created. Added, with companies coming to Gujarat, it will help open up the economy,” added the official.
