Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, is situated between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is the youngest State of the Union of India. It covers a total area of 3,702 square kilometers and comprises two Revenue districts, namely, North Goa and South Goa. It lies between 15 degree 48' to 14 degree 53' North Latitude and 74 degree 20'13" to 73 degree 40'33" East Longitude. On its north runs the Terekhol River, which separates Goa from Maharashtra and on the south lies North Canara district of Karnataka. While, on the east lies the Western Ghats and on the west lies the Arabian Sea. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa. A very striking feature of State is the harmonious relationship among various religious communities.Goa has emerged as one of the most developed States in India. It has also achieved the ranking of being one of the best States in India with regards to investment environment and infrastructure. It is well connected to metropolitan cities and centers of trade and commerce through road, rail, sea-routes as well as by air. The connections will improve further with the establishment of a new international airport and widening of national highways. Goa has a natural port in Mormugao, as well as minor ports, which have tremendous potential to improve trade facilities. Besides, it has a full-fledged internet connectivity and a large network of telephone exchanges, which provides high quality of life to its people. Hence, the State is becoming a front runner in the development of the Indian economy.
The State is endowed with rich forests and mineral resources. A variety of agricultural and horticultural crops are grown here. The State has shown remarkable progress in different areas like tourism, electronics, pharmaceuticals and agro-chemicals. It makes a substantial contribution of foreign exchange through mining and tourism to the national exchequer. A variety of industries have flourished in the State and currently, the Government is planning to set up garment, electronic and software parks with satellite uplinking facilities. In addition, the peaceful and friendly social environment is one of the most important reasons for making the State a most preferred tourist destination.
The other advantageous features of the State are:-
- Responsive and flexible administrative set up
- Excellent law and order situation with low crime rate
- One of the highest literacy rates
- Trained and skilled manpower
- Excellent infrastructure for education and health
- Sufficient power reserves and reasonable tariff rates
- Well spread network of banking and financial institutions
- One of the highest per capita income in India
- Harmonious industrial relations
- Growing consumer market base etc.
Due to such advantages, Goa is often referred to as the investor friendly paradise. There exists numerous investment opportunities in the agriculture, industry and services sector of the State economy.
