Stating that Maharashtra remains the most favoured destination globally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state has signed 54 MoUs with investment worth Rs 15.75 lakh crore and that almost 98 per cent of the investments will be through Foreign Direct Investment. Addressing the media on the second last day of the World Economic Forum from Davos on Thursday, Fadnavis said, "We have signed 54 MoUs with mega companies, along with seven strategic partners, taking our total investments to Rs 15. 75 lakh crore. This will help generate 16 lakh jobs." Dismissing the apprehensions over actual realisation, Fadnavis said, "If we look at the past trends, the actual realisation averages upto 35 to 40 per cent for states. During the Eknath Shinde led government ( 2022-2024), the actual realisation was as high as 95 per cent. In the case of Maharashtra, there is an exception with MoUs and actual relations working to above 65 per cent. In the current situation, we are confident of translating the MoUs into implementation to its optimum." Explaining the success of his first foreign tour after taking charge as the Chief Minister, Fadnavis said, "During the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (2019-2022), total MoUs signed in Davos was Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 75,000 crore." In comparison, the Mahayuti government has clocked a massive Rs 15.75 lakh crore, he said. While outlining the details, the Chief Minister said, "The investment component for Vidarbha and Marathwada are sizable. We are still working out the break-up details. But our assessment is Marathwada alone has Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 crore investments. Similarly, Vidarbha would have equally higher investments, covering the Naxal belt of Gadchiroli district." Underlying the significance of the Davos tour, Fadnavis said, "The outcome has enhanced Maharashtra's image globally. The ambitious target to take Viksit Bharat ahead with a five trillion dollar economy is possible. And this was a step towards achieving that goal." Commenting on artificial intelligence which was the buzz word at Davos, Fadnavis said, "We have to adapt to the new challenges and embrace it without hesitation. We believe AI should be seen in the proper perspective to advance our goals and not as a tool which takes away jobs. We will have to embrace technology and brace for challenges to keep pace with innovations globally." The chief minister also stressed on the importance of sustainable development and climatic challenges, which were deliberated during the WEF. From green energy, water to solar energy, sustainable development was a central aspect during the WEF meet.
