The task force would assist in developing a vision statement for the State and outline a strategy for realising this vision. CII would draw up a focused strategy for economic and industrial growth with a special focus plan for the Pune region which is being rapidly developed as the infotech region in the state. Similarly, the state government has already set up a knowledge corridor between Mumbai-Navi Mumbai and Pune.

The MoU was signed by Deshmukh and Baba Kalyani, CII's co-chairman, national task force here on Friday during a two-day conference on "Building the E-nterprise."

According to the MoU, the CII and the state government would jointly work to develop a strategy for infrastructure development with active participation of the private sector. A special project for the improvement of infrastructure such as Mumbai Airport will be undertaken.

The CII and the state government would jointly organise programmes to project Maharashtra as an attractive investment destination in India and abroad. Moreover, both the sides would draw up a focused strategy for economic and industrial growth in terms of industry wise and district wise plans.

CII would work with the state government for the development of Mumbai as an offshore financial centre and setting up of special economic zones in the state. CII would also work with the government to mount specialised industry and investment delegations in different areas such as textiles, agro processing, biotechnology, pharmacueticals and financial services.

The MoU will be valid for a period of two years initially and later may be renewed as mutually agree upon between the Maharashtra government and the CII.

Deshmukh claimed that Mumbai is the e-business Capital of India and that Maharashtra continues to be India's most business friendly state which attracted largest domestic and international investments. He observed that there was no differences between old and New Economy and the New Economy can not be separated from the old economy.

"We must start thinking about the possibilities that new technology offers for public policy and services. Even in the system of governance, access to the Internet and electronic interface with the government means that the public can participate directly in government decisions," he observed.

Deshmukh said that CII and the state government can work together to reduce the digital divide and ultimately work together to empower the common man through development of industry, finance and the social sectors.