Karnataka, Gujarat best for investment: US

Gujarat and Karnataka are the 'role models' of a competent and transparent government and a progressive leadership that can attract investors in the coming years, according to a leading US business forum representative.

"Competent, transparent, and progressive leadership are key attributes that will attract investors. Karnataka and Gujarat are two states that exemplify such progressive leadership," Ron Somers, president, US India Business Council.

"There is a reason why Essar, Torrent, Reliance, Shell, Tata, Adani and some many others are thriving in Gujarat. Effective governance and administration, business- friendly policies, superior core knowledge infrastructure and an entrepreneurial culture combine to make Gujarat the premier business destination in India," he said.

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During his week-long trip to India beginning Friday, Somers would be travelling to Karnataka and Gujarat, which he believes should be the "role model" for other states for attracting investors and converting themselves into a business friendly destination.

"In 2011, USIBC (US India Business Council) will feature such exemplary leadership in hopes of attracting investments to well-governed states, while spurring other states to become more business friendly," Somers said.

He added, "There is a reason Bangalore is the Silicon Valley of India, he said. Somers said he was looking forward to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister Y S Yadiruppa and the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

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Besides meeting Yediruappa, he would also meet the leadership of top companies in Bangalore -- Wipro, Infosys, IBM, Lanco, Biocon and Suzlon.

"I am interested in assessing progress for business on the ground - gauging the forward-thinking of various State's leadership," he said, adding that the administration in the states of Karnataka and Gujarat were of particular interest.

From Bangalore, Somers would be travelling to participate in Vibrant Gujarat business forum. Somers said in 2011 USIBC will feature exemplary leadership, in hopes of attracting investments to well-governed states, while spurring other states to become more business friendly.

"USIBC' ultimate objective is to advance US-India commercial ties. Some states are doing this better than others. This year we will focus on those states," he said.