Himachal seeks funds from World bank arm for various projects

The Himachal Pradesh government on Friday urged the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a wing of the World Bank, to finance various projects, especially in sectors like tourism, hydropower and affordable housing.

Senior state officers, led by Additional Chief Secretary Shrikant Baldi, held discussions with the delegation of the IFC here to explore the possibilities of financing various projects.

Baldi told the IFC representatives that the state has developed a land bank and suitable land is available for setting up various kinds of industries.

He said the state would like the IFC to invest in the focus sectors like affordable housing projects for which adequate land is available at various places.

Similarly, there is vast scope of investment in tourism sector for developing resorts and skiing sites.

Baldi said the state government has proposed an ambitious project at Chanshal in Shimla district for skiing and this area has great scope for tourism activities.

He said the state has vast potential of harnessing hydropower as well and the IFC should consider to fund the hydropower projects. IANS