Panaji: The state-run Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) decided at its Board meeting on Tuesday to undertake infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 100 crore within industrial estates across Goa.
The Goa-IDC Board meeting was chaired by State Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, Goa-IDC Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and others, including representatives from industry bodies.
The meeting saw several significant developments aimed at enhancing Goa’s industrial infrastructure and promoting industrial growth in the state, Lourenco told PTI on Wednesday.
He said that one of the most notable decisions was the approval of infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 100 crore, which will focus on improving facilities within industrial estates across the state.
This substantial investment reaffirms the Corporation’s commitment to creating a more robust industrial landscape, he added.
Lourenco mentioned that for the current year, Goa-IDC’s primary focus will be on infrastructure development within industrial estates. Priorities include ensuring pothole-free roads and upgrading water supply systems to meet the growing demands of industries.
He also highlighted that white-topping technology would be used for the first time in Goa for internal roads within industrial estates.
This advanced road construction method promises greater durability and smoother surfaces, enhancing transportation within industrial areas, he added.
There are 24 industrial estates set up across Goa, with the Verna Industrial Estate being the largest among them.
Speaking about other decisions from the Board meeting, Lourenco said that in a forward-thinking move, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) announced a collaboration with the World Economic Forum to organize a workshop on Artificial Intelligence tailored specifically for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
This initiative aims to equip local industries with cutting-edge knowledge and tools to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the global market, he said.
During the meeting, Lourenco also announced that Goa-IDC had successfully overcome its debt burden, signaling a new era of fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for the organization.
Another major milestone highlighted during the meeting was the onboarding of over 1,000 industries onto the OPEN (Online Platform for Enterprise Network). This move significantly strengthens digital governance and streamlines industrial operations, positioning Goa as a digitally progressive industrial hub, he said.
