World sees India through Bengaluru: DK Shivakumar

Davos, Jan 21 (PTI) Looking positively on the potential of Karnataka to become the country’s top investment destination among global investors, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said the world sees India through Bengaluru.

Speaking to PTI here during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, he said that Davos offered a lot to learn, met various leaders from across the world and felt that India was seen through Bangalore.

“That’s what they say. And I tell them the importance of Karnataka and that it is a great state to work in,” he said.

Shivakumar, who is here for the first time, said that Karnataka offers many opportunities for all segments of the industry.

Shivakumar, who was supposed to come here last year but could not, said that there are many opportunities in sectors such as technology, health and artificial intelligence.

“Global investors are looking at the work we’re doing on mobility for the entire state, and they’re also interested in the work in two-tier and three-tier cities,” he said.

“In Bangalore, we are investing a lot of funds in metro, flyovers, flyovers, tunnels and many things. Everyone thinks Bangalore is very safe, there is no pollution and the weather and culture are great,” he said.

Shivakumar said he also met with many foreign government leaders, including the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

He listed GCC, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, startups and healthcare among the areas where foreign players are interested in investments.

He said Karnataka’s economy is very strong compared to other parts of the country and pays more taxes than many states.

“The Center collects 43 per cent of taxes from Karnataka, but we collect only 30 per cent, but that is a different story,” he said.

“We are Karnataka and as I said, India is seen through Bangalore and Karnataka,” he said.