CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 11: Metro Cash & Carry – a German retail enterprise would launch its operation in Punjab from Zirakpur on January 15, 2009 as a part of its massive investment plan of Rs.900 crore to set up a chain of wholesale distribution cum retail centers through out the state.
An assurance of this effect was given here today by Director Development & Expansion of Metro Cash & Carry Mr. Erik Schmit to Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.
A 6-member delegation led by Mr. Schmit urged the Chief Minister to inaugurate company’s maiden venture at Zirakpur which would give a push for the modern practices in the development of the state with the focus on agriculture development and employment generation in allied farming. Mr. Schmit informed the Chief Minister the company would soon set up its wholesale distribution centers at Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Mohali, adding he said perhaps this was the ever biggest investment in the country by the internationally acclaimed retail corporate house. He appreciated the commitment of Chief Minister for giving all the requisite clearances to them for setting up the wholesale-cum-retail chain in the state by the empowered committee on mega projects headed by Mr. Badal. He pointed out that these ventures across the state would result in creation of nearly 5000 jobs for local youth and impart training in modern management practices besides sourcing vegetables, fruits and other fresh items directly from local farmers thereby eliminating the middleman, according to the company’s committed philosophy to supplement the income of the farmers.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation to extend fulsome support and cooperation on behalf of the Punjab government. Mr. Badal commended the company’s initiative for setting up these wholesale distribution centers that would provide over 18000 items-both food and non food to the Kirana stores, hotels, restaurants and businessman in the state and hoped that there would a quantum jump in the state’s revenue. He also assured the management that the pending cases of different clearances and change of land use for new proposals put forth by the company would be dealt in line with the laid down principles of the existing policy on mega projects.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains, Financial Commissioner Taxation SS Brar, Financial Commissioner Development NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister DS Guru, Principal Secretary Industries SS Channy, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister AK Mahajan and Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Yogesh Goyal.