Rajesh Doraiswamy, Chairman of CII Coimbatore & Joint Managing Director of Salzer Electronics Pvt. Ltd., extends heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for presenting a growth-oriented budget for 2025-26, with a strong focus on core manufacturing sectors.
With Tamil Nadu setting an ambitious target to achieve a $1 trillion economy, Coimbatore should aim to contribute 50% of the state’s GDP. The budget has rightly recognized the city’s potential and introduced crucial initiatives to boost its industrial and economic growth.
One of the most significant announcements is the Semiconductor Mission 2030, with an investment of ₹500 crore. This includes the establishment of semiconductor parks in Coimbatore (Sulur & Palladam, 100 acres each), a move that aligns with CII Coimbatore’s recommendations to position the city as a key semiconductor hub.
With Coimbatore’s strong foundation in foundries, automobile manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, and power electronics, coupled with a rapidly growing IT sector and high-quality educational institutions, the city possesses an immense talent pool. This initiative will integrate these strengths, making Coimbatore an irresistible destination for semiconductor manufacturing.
The semiconductor parks will foster a robust startup and industry ecosystem, drive new product development, and enhance industrial competitiveness. Moreover, the availability of skilled job opportunities will attract and retain inbound talent, further strengthening Coimbatore’s industrial landscape.
We are extremely grateful for the budget allocation towards the establishment of two Centres of Excellence:
- Coimbatore Pump Industry Centre of Excellence
- Coimbatore Foundry Industry Centre of Excellence
These initiatives will significantly boost the native foundry and pump industries. The Centres of Excellence will attract increased R&D investments, paving the way for innovative product development from the region.
CII Coimbatore has consistently emphasized the importance of improved connectivity to support industrial growth. The allocation for Coimbatore Airport development in the budget will enhance exports and facilitate increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), further propelling the city’s global reach.
Additionally, the budget has introduced a ₹20,000 subsidy for 2,000 gig workers to purchase electric scooters, along with group insurance coverage for 1.5 lakh gig workers and new worker lounges in Chennai and Coimbatore.
As Coimbatore witnesses a surge in Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and IT sectors, the city is expected to host an increasing number of freelancers and gig workers by 2030. The introduction of worker lounges will enhance the gig economy and IT startup ecosystem, providing necessary support and infrastructure for this growing segment.
We are extremely thankful to the Finance Minister and the Industries Minister of the Government of Tamil Nadu for presenting a budget that prioritizes the western region of the state and strengthens its industrial base.
