New Delhi: In a bid to cash in on the current upbeat mood about Indian economy, several States like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Punjab and Haryana today (Jan 11, 2004) wooed the Diaspora at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas extravaganza to invest here with promises of better infrastructure, transparent and no red-tape.

However, most of the Chief Ministers did not turn up at on the last day of the celebrations on account of internal party bickerings or because of the two-day BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) executive meet in Hyderabad.

Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala was the only head of a State to show up at the mega-event in New Delhi.

Gujarat Minister for NRIs and NRGs (non-resident Gujaratis) Ashok Bhatt claimed the western State was the "most happening place in India" providing most attractive incentives in the fields of IT, Pharma, Ayurveda, Diamond and Tourism.

Appealing to all sections of PIOs (Peoples of Indian Origin) Bhatt said, "jo ave Gujarat, so Gujarati," (whoever comes to Gujarat is a Gujarati).

To augment the flow of investments into the State, Industries Minister Anil Bhai Patel said an NRI Investment Act would soon be introduced and amend labour laws in SEZs (Special Economic Zones).

He also invited them for a three-day Vibrant Gujarat Uttarayan festival being organised to forge closer cultural bonds with the Non-Resident Indians.

Madhya Pradesh made a fervent plea for investment in the State, which was rich in mineral resources, Diamond deposits and Tourism.

There is great possibility for high return on investment in infrastructure and power in the State where the two sectors need to be urgently addressed, Chief Secretary Satya Prakash said in New Delhi.

He said the State's abundant natural resources including rivers, forest, minerals and very good law and order situation provided ideal investment destination.

Madhya Pradesh was among few States in the country where politicisation of bureaucracy was very limited, he claimed adding that the State Government has also set up a Task Force to draft a plan that would soon outline the Industrial policy of the State.

Commissioner for Industries, Commerce and Export promotion of Andhra Pradesh Sameer Sharma said the State has huge potential due to its long coastline, active Government support and a skilled manpower base. "Pharma and Bio-Tech are growth engines and we will be strongly focusing on them."

Rajashthan's Industries Minister N S Rajvi said adequate power supply, soft interest rate regime, cheap labour and congenial social fabric makes the State an attractive investment destination.

Punjab's Public Works Minister P S Bajwa said the Government has taken several initiatives including appointing 'NRI Lambardars' to protect properties of NRIs in their villages.