Haryana CM meets IKEA India CEO, assures full support for company's upcoming projects

Chandigarh, Jul 8 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday met a high-level delegation from Sweden led by IKEA India CEO Patrik Antoni. The meeting, held at the chief minister's residence here, focused on strengthening collaboration between Haryana and IKEA and exploring future investment opportunities in the state, an official statement said. During the meeting, Antoni expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for his government's consistent support in facilitating the timely execution of construction activities and other related processes for IKEA's projects. Antoni conveyed IKEA's keen interest in expanding its presence in Haryana and committed to investing in more new projects, the statement said. The Swedish firm's CEO said that Haryana's progressive policies, industry-friendly ecosystem and proactive governance have created a conducive environment for global companies to invest and grow. Welcoming IKEA's continued interest in the state, Chief Minister Saini reaffirmed the state government's commitment to providing a seamless and investor-friendly business environment. He directed officials of the Chief Minister's Office to extend all possible support to IKEA for the implementation of its projects and future expansion plans in Haryana. The chief minister also presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Antoni. During the interaction, Antoni invited the chief minister to inaugurate IKEA's Gurugram store after its completion next year, the statement said, adding that the chief minister also expressed confidence that the project would further strengthen the state's position as a preferred investment destination for global companies. The foundation stone of the store was laid by former Haryana Chief Minister and present Union Minister Manohar Lal. The company is already driving investments of Rs 3,500-4,000 crore in Haryana through its landmark Gurugram project, which is expected to generate around 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, according to the statement. Spread over nearly 10 acres, the project will be one of IKEA's flagship investments in India, bringing together retail, office spaces and community-focused experiences under a single destination. The Haryana government is working closely with the company to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce through its robust skill development ecosystem, enabling local youth to benefit from the employment opportunities created by the project. The Department of Foreign Cooperation serves as the nodal department for Haryana's international engagement, facilitating global partnerships, strengthening diplomatic outreach and extending assistance to the Haryanvi diaspora. The department plays a key role in advancing the state government's vision of transforming Haryana through a 'Go Global Approach'. PTI SUN HVA