The Flourishing Economy Of Rajasthan.

Easy access to largest consumer markets, Rajasthan touches six major states of the Northern, Western and Central India. It is a natural corridor between the wealthy Northern and the prosperous Western states of the country, which makes and important trade and commerce centre. Rajasthan has been investing in capacity building through development of a strong institutional network at all levels. The state has 1,050 colleges including 80 engineering colleges, 58 polytechnic institutes and 846 industrial training institutes (ITIs). Rajasthan‟s rugged forts, beautiful palaces, picturesque TharDesert, bird sanctuaries and national parks, lively fairs and festivals, lakes and mountains, fascinating handicrafts and colourful culture make the state an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. At current prices, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rajasthan was about US$ 46.4 billion in 2009-2010. The average annual GSDP growth rate, from 1999-2000 to 2009-2010 was about 10.1 per cent. The natural resources, policy incentives and infrastructure in the state are favourably suited for investments in sectors such as cement, IT and ITeS, ceramics, tourism, automotive and agro-based industries. Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP) and Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) are responsible for promoting investments and developing industrial infrastructure in the state. The Government of Rajasthan is promoting development of several SEZs across the state for sectors such as gems and jewellery, handicrafts, IT, electronics and textiles. According to the Reserve Bank of India, FDI inflows from April 2000 to May 2010 amounted to US$ 470 million.