Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday accused chief minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK govt of failing to retain investor confidence after reports suggested that South Korean shipbuilding major Hyundai had held investment talks with the Andhra Pradesh govt, raising concerns over the fate of its proposed ₹38,000 crore investment in the state.EPS said Hyundai, which has invested in TN since the 1990s, exploring another state reflected the govt’s inability to inspire confidence among investors.He alleged that the state had weakened the functioning of Guidance Tamil Nadu, the investment promotion agency established during the late CM J Jayalalithaa’s tenure. He further charged that the agency’s activities had been diluted and cited reports that 10 officials had resigned from it, questioning whether TVK govt realised the impact such developments could have on attracting fresh investments.Taking a swipe at industries minister S Keerthana as an “immature minister” in an “amateur cabinet”, EPS said publicity exercises would not help secure investments and urged govt to focus on engaging with investors instead.He called upon govt to immediately fast-track talks with Hyundai and ensure that the proposed ₹38,000 crore investment is retained in TN.
