Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accompanied by a high-level delegation including MLA Kalpana Murmu Soren and senior state officials, is on a week-long diplomatic mission across Spain and Sweden aimed at attracting foreign investment and fostering international collaborations for the state’s industrial and innovation sectors.
Upon his arrival in Gothenburg, Sweden, CM Soren and the delegation were warmly welcomed by Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Chargé d’affaires and First Secretary (Political) at the Embassy of India, Sweden. The team visited the Volvo Truck plant, engaging with officials to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing and mobility solutions.
The European tour, spanning Madrid, Barcelona, and Gothenburg, is part of Jharkhand’s broader strategy to position itself as India’s next big investment destination. The delegation’s engagements have focused on showcasing Jharkhand’s strengths in steel, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, food processing, and technology. CM Soren has assured global investors of Jharkhand’s robust “Ease of Doing Business” environment, promising fast-tracked approvals and sustained government support.
A major highlight of the visit is the proposal from Barcelona’s RCD Espanyol Football Club to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for advanced football coach training. This partnership aims to leverage Spain’s renowned sports ecosystem to elevate football standards in Jharkhand, opening new avenues for youth development.
On the industrial front, discussions with Tesla Group AS CEO Dušan Lichardus have resulted in a proposal to establish a GIGA Factory in Jharkhand for assembling commercial and industrial battery storage systems, aligning with the state’s renewable energy ambitions.
The delegation has also held talks with Indian-origin business leaders and experts in Barcelona, exploring collaborations in clean energy, biotech, MedTech, and startup mentorship. The focus has been on mapping Jharkhand’s startups and connecting them with global incubators, signalling a strong push to nurture a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Cultural engagements included visits to the iconic Sagrada Familia and the Gava Museum of Mines in Barcelona, where the delegation explored ancient mining techniques and discussed the potential of repurposing old mines for education and science.
With bilateral trade between India and Spain steadily rising and over 280 Spanish companies already operating in India, Jharkhand’s strategic outreach is expected to unlock new avenues for foreign direct investment, job creation, and technology transfer-marking a significant chapter in the state’s global economic integration.