Tamil Nadu’s Industry Minister, T R B Rajaa, took a hands-on approach to attracting investment, personally driving Foxconn chairman Dr Young Liu from Chennai airport to a newly built housing colony for the company’s employees. This gesture, which came about spontaneously, set the stage for a potential surge in investments in the state.
Upon arriving at the airport, the minister greeted Dr Liu with a bouquet and engaged in a lengthy conversation with him in the airport lounge. The two became so engrossed in their discussions that aides had to remind them about their upcoming engagement. As they prepared to depart, the minister offered to drive Dr Liu to the event, which was an hour’s drive away. This impromptu drive provided an opportunity for the minister to highlight Tamil Nadu’s strengths, its capabilities, and its advancements in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
While details remain confidential, sources suggest that Tamil Nadu can anticipate significant investments from Foxconn. The company’s interest in the state is further solidified by Dr Liu’s recent visit to Telangana, where he expressed interest in investing in Hyderabad, praising the city’s potential in the industrial and service sectors.
Dr Liu’s visit to Tamil Nadu comes on the heels of the inauguration of a new industrial housing facility for women employees of Foxconn in Chennai. Built at a cost of Rs 706 crore, the facility can accommodate 18,720 workers and features a range of amenities. This significant investment in employee housing underscores the growing presence of Foxconn in Tamil Nadu and its commitment to supporting its workforce.
As Foxconn, a major Apple iPhone manufacturer in India, continues to expand its operations across the country, the company’s interest in Tamil Nadu, coupled with the state’s proactive efforts to attract investment, points towards a potential win-win situation. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business environment, Tamil Nadu appears poised to benefit significantly from Foxconn’s investments.
