Tamil Nadu has sustained a robust 8%+ growth rate over the past three years, securing its place as India’s second-largest economy. With a 12.11% share of the country’s industrial output and leadership in electronics exports (37.1%), the state continues to attract large-scale investments. Among them is a proposed ₹500 crore semiconductor manufacturing park planned across 100 acres in Sulur and Palladam, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position in advanced manufacturing.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s goal to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, highlighting that growth must go hand-in-hand with women’s empowerment, sustainability, and social equity. Cities like Coimbatore, Trichy, Hosur, Madurai, Salem, and Thoothukudi are fast emerging as major industrial and economic centers beyond the metro hubs.
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Tamil Nadu Takes the Lead in Electronics Exports & Industrial Growth
In a key moment at the convention, Thiru M.K. Stalin unveiled a comprehensive report on “Green and Liveable Cities in Tamil Nadu.”
The report lays out a roadmap to:
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Enhance urban sustainability
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Boost investment readiness
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Improve citizen quality of life
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Promote climate-resilient and inclusive infrastructure
The event was attended by key dignitaries including:
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Dr T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Govt. of Tamil Nadu
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Mr. R. Mukundan, Vice President, CII & MD & CEO, Tata Chemicals
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Mr. R. Dinesh, Immediate Past President, CII & Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions
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Mr. Thomas John Muthoot, Deputy Chairman, CII Southern Region & MD, Muthoot Fincorp
Project Puthiya Payanam, Valarchiyai Noki: Phase 2 Launched
Also launched at the event was Phase 2 of “Project Puthiya Payanam, Valarchiyai Noki,” an initiative by the CII-Centre of Excellence for Employability and Livelihoods (CII-CEL).
The goal:
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Empower 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs across Tamil Nadu within a year
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Strengthen small businesses and local employment
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Contribute to the broader vision of creating 5,000 new entrepreneurs
This initiative is backed by key private sector players, especially the TVS Group, emphasizing industry’s role in inclusive development.
Industry-Led Urban Transformation
Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, emphasized Tamil Nadu’s unique model where sustainable urban development and industrial advancement go hand in hand. He spotlighted the role of CII Centres of Excellence in the state:
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CII Institute of Logistics
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CII Institute for Employment and Livelihood
These institutions are driving:
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Supply chain resilience
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MSME competitiveness
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Employment generation aligned with urban development
Investing in People: Education and Employability at the Core
Dr. R. Nandini, Chairperson, CII Southern Region & MD, Chandra Textiles, noted Tamil Nadu’s leadership in education and skill development.
Key highlights:
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₹55,000 crore budget allocated to education for 2025–26
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This is 8x the national per capita average
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Programs like Nan Mudhalvan, Pudhumai Penn, and others focus on skills, gender equity, and career readiness
She also emphasized Tamil Nadu’s top rank in CII membership nationwide, reinforcing its role as a central force in India’s industrial and policy landscape.
Spotlight on the Convention: Building Future-Ready Cities
The convention featured thought-provoking panel discussions on:
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Southern India’s Economic Outlook
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Urban Transformation & the Economy
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Policy Pathways for Future Cities
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Sustainable Infrastructure & Liveability
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Social Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities
These sessions brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and urban experts to shape a collective agenda for climate-smart, economically vibrant, and inclusive cities across South India.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s performance at the CII South India Annual Convention 2025 reinforced its standing as a national leader in sustainable development, industrial innovation, and social inclusion. With a clear roadmap and strong public-private collaboration, the state is poised to set new benchmarks for green, liveable cities and empowered citizens.
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