Delegates impressed by Gurgaon, want good work to continue

Foreign investors and business delegates attending the Happening Haryana summit described Gurgaon as a “centre of business growth with lots of potential”

Foreign investors and business delegates attending the Happening Haryana summit described Gurgaon as a “centre of business growth with lots of potential”.

Foreign delegates attend a session at the summit. (Abhinav Saha/HT Photo)

Several delegates, who are regular visitors, said they like Gurgaon for its night life, restaurants, shopping centres and its residents who have a global exposure.

First-time visitors, on the other hand, were impressed by the wide roads, proximity to airport and cleanliness -- an outcome of the administration’s recent beautification initiatives.

John Bosco Kebaliko Nkumunue, a politician from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said he was impressed by the clean and modern look of the city.

“I went around Cyber City and other business areas and it felt like Singapore. The metro connectivity is very good and people are very supportive,” Nkumunue, who will soon run for a political post in Congo, said. He said there was a need for more interaction, exchange and business between India and the African nations.

A large number of Korean companies are located in the Gurgaon-Manesar belt. Arang Bae, a representative of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), said Gurgaon is a preferred business destination as the Haryana government is more proactive than other states in the country.

“Better housing, good quality restaurants, entertainment and good schooling attracts the Korean companies,” Bae said. She also appreciated the artwork and green areas in parts of the city and wants the good work to continue.

Managing director of Shangai Electric, Hu Peinian, has a 10-year relationship with Gurgaon. His company has supplied infrastructure to major power projects in Haryana. “Roads have improved in the city. Better apartments and good talent has transformed Gurgaon,” he said.

But he is peeved by the pollution from diesel generators. “We do not need generators. The need is to ensure reliable power and better distribution. We have a power plant but it cannot supply power as there is inadequate distribution capacity,” Peinan said. But he is happy with the efforts made by the government to pull off the summit despite the recent unrest --Jats who protesting demanding reservation-- in the state.

Jakub Chmelik, a delegate from Czech Republic said he was impressed by the expanse of the city. The city is functioning well despite the population pressure, he said.