Himachal Pradesh (HP) is situated in the heart of the Western
Himalyas. It has a geographical area of 55,673 sq. Km and is located at
altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to 21000 ft.). It
is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the north; Punjab on the west and
south-west; Haryana on the south; Uttar Pradesh on the south-east; and
Tibet and China on the east. It has a varied topography, climate and forest
cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna. It is endowed
with shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines, and roaring
rivers. The north-eastern part of the State is decorated with snow-covered,
silver-headed mountains, halcyon lakes and green stretches of prairies.
Besides, the State is identified as 'Dev Bhumi' and is believed to be
the abode of God and Goddesses. The entire State is punctuated with stone
as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions has made Himachal
unique in itself.
The forests of Himachal Pradesh (H.P) constitute two-thirds
of the State’s geographic area and are crucial to the region’s
environmental and economic well-being. They are a storehouse of rich bio-diversity
which are vital in preserving the fragile Himalayan eco-system, and act
as a primary livelihood source for rural population. The favourable agro-climatic
conditions of the State facilitates production of wide variety of crops,
like, vegetables, fruits, flowers, rice, and commercial crops. Himachal
Pradesh has abundant resources of water, land and minerals. Also, there
exists comfortable power situation in terms of generation and supply at
moderate rates. The proactive attitude of the State Government, along
with excellent availability of skilled and hardworking manpower, as well
as well-developed transportation network, have created an ideal environment
for the setting up of agro-based, forest based, food processing, beverages,
information technology, electronic and hi tech industries. Besides, there
exists peaceful industrial conditions with a minimal degree of strikes
and labour unrest. Also, the Government of HP offers attractive tax and
fiscal benefits to prospective entrepreneurs and investors.
Due to all such advantages, Himachal Pradesh has become
one of the most preferred investment destinations. A huge potential exists
in the development of tourism and related activities. Several large and
small business houses/ entrepreneurs are setting up their industrial units
in the State. There exists innumerable business opportunities in the various
sectors of the economy.
