Tamil Nadu CM Secures Rs 900 Crore Investments in San Francisco

- TN govt signs agreements with Nokia, PayPal, Applied Materials, and others - Nokia to set up Rs 450 crore R&D centre at SIPCOT, creating 100 jobs - PayPal to establish Advanced Development Centre focused on AI in Chennai - Applied Materials to open AI-Enabled Tech Centre for semiconductor manufacturing - Yield Engineering Systems and Microchip to invest in facilities in Coimbatore and Chennai - Infinx to set up tech centre in Madurai, generating 700 jobs Source: [Moneycontrol](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/tn-signs-agreements-with-nokia-paypal-applied-materials-and-a-host-of-it-companies-12810256.html)

- The Tamil Nadu government has signed an MoU with Google to set up 'Tamil Nadu AI Labs' in Chennai, aiming to upskill 2 million youngsters in AI. - Industrie Minister TRB Rajaa announced the partnership on X, highlighting the collaboration's focus on startups, MSMEs, and the rural economy. - The government also signed six MoUs across various sectors, attracting INR 900 Cr in investments and creating over 4,000 jobs. - Investments include Nokia's R&D centre, PayPal's AI-ML development centre, and semiconductor innovations by Microchip in Coimbatore. - This initiative follows Chief Minister M K Stalin’s US visit and aligns with the growing trend of big tech companies investing in India post-pandemic. Source: [Inc42](https://inc42.com/buzz/tn-govt-partners-google-to-build-ai-labs-seeks-to-upskill-2-mn-youngsters/)

- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated 19 industrial projects worth ₹17,616 crore and laid the foundation for 28 projects valued at ₹51,157 crore at the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2024 in Chennai. - The State government signed MoUs with Greenko Energies Private Limited, which committed ₹20,114 crore for three closed loop pumped projects, creating 1,500 jobs. - Mr. Stalin urged businessmen to become industrial ambassadors for Tamil Nadu, encouraging them to bring other companies to the state. - He emphasized the government's focus on inclusive and sustainable development, improving infrastructure, and providing jobs close to where people live. - Highlighting that over 130 ‘Fortune 500’ companies have chosen Tamil Nadu, Mr. Stalin reiterated the goal of making Tamil Nadu a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. Source: [The Hindu](https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/dabur-to-invest-rs-400-crore-in-tamil-nadu-for-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-investment-conclave-2024-cm-m-k-stalin-launches-major-industrial-projects/articleshow/112673603.cmsmanufacturing-plant-create-over-250-jobs-442566-2024-08-22)

- Google has signed a pact with Tamil Nadu to start Pixel 8 production and build an industrial ecosystem. - The MoU was signed at Google's Mountain View office with Tamil Nadu's chief minister M K Stalin. - This agreement follows the setup of 'Tamil Nadu AI Labs' to promote AI solutions. - Google aims to empower MSMEs and upskill the local workforce with AI capabilities. - The tech giant's move is seen as a strategic push to dominate India's premium smartphone market. Source: [Inc42](https://inc42.com/buzz/google-to-start-pixel-8-phones-production-build-industrial-ecosystem-in-tamil-nadu/)

- Foxconn chairman Young Liu announced that the company has invested $10 Bn in India so far and plans to invest more in the coming year. - Liu addressed allegations of job discrimination against married women at Foxconn's Tamil Nadu plant, stating that the company hires employees regardless of gender. - During his India trip, Liu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana to discuss Foxconn's investments. - Liu inaugurated a women-only residential complex near Foxconn's plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, which will house over 18,000 women employees. - Foxconn currently employs around 48,000 people in India, with women making up a significant portion of the workforce. Source: [Inc42](https://inc42.com/buzz/foxconn-has-invested-10-bn-in-india-so-far-says-chairman-young-liu/)

From the past few months I'm seeing news of all the big projects of National interest being parked in Gujrat. Be it GIFT City, DREAM City, Chip Manufacturing facility by Tata, 2036 Olymics stadium, 2 new smart cities, center for AI excellence, Cholera Solar Park, Bullet Train stations, etc? I'm happy for all the work happening but it seems unfair that all great projects are happening in Gujrat. If trade is a reason, there are other states as well in western coast like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala. I'm not trying to make it political, but I feel it is. If it's not political please give your reasoning. I want to be wrong on this.

Govt has signed an FTA with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (EFTA bloc) where they will invest $100 billion in India to get access to free-trade benefits in India. It is expected to generate around 1 million more jobs in India and net around $300 billion worth of capital inflow. This deal will open opportunities to sign many more such deals with other partners (like EU) and reduce our trade deficit dependencies on China. We've been progressing discussions for an FTA with EU for the past few years and this seems seems like a massive step in that direction.

Earlier someone was very skeptical about Bharat growing at 7+ %. Here you go.......live long enough to witness the journey Like I said (1.07)^50 = 29.45 times current GDP

After thinking for long.. Almost decided that I can move to Chennai. Child's education and Family support for elderly, comparatively less expensive are the pros. But on the con side, I see lesser career options for an MBA grad. But in the end I feel I can manage with lesser choices as pros seem to outweigh cons. Any advice and inputs