Ludhiana, May 9 (KNN) The bicycle industry in Ludhiana, which mostly consists of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has asked the state government not to promote Chinese industry in Ludhiana.

The reaction came after the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Sunday met the Chinese Bicycle Association (CBA) in Shanghai and invited them to invest in Ludhiana, where, he said 300 acres of land has been set aside for manufacturing high-end bicycles.

Talking to KNN, General Secretary of United Cycles and Parts Manufacturers Association, Rajeev Jain said that rather that setting up a manufacturing hub of Chinese bicycles, the Government should promote local manufactures by providing them high technology, lands and tax rebates.

“Why a foreign company should be invited to invest in India when the local companies are capable of making good products,” Jain said.

“We don’t want China to reign here as the condition of the industry is as it is not so good”, he urged.

He said that the MSMEs are opposing Chinese material for a long time but the Government is not listening to their demands.

When asked about any talks being held with the Government in this regard, he said, “We are waiting for the delegation to return from China then we will talk to the Government.”

Deputy CM Sukhbir told the Chinese investors that any investor wishing to set up a unit in the proposed cycle valley will receive quick clearance on pre-cleared sites. He assured them of cheap power, trained manpower as well as the best in terms of incentives and other policies. The government hopes to push exports from the valley from the existing USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion in the high-end bicycle segment.

 (KNN / AR)