The Tamil Nadu government is preparing to unveil its Industrial Policy 2026, with Industries Minister S Keerthana inviting recommendations from leading industrialists to shape the State’s next phase of economic growth.
During the Industry Leaders’ Connect 2026 organised by Guidance Tamil Nadu, industry representatives called for a stronger emphasis on high gross value-added (GVA) manufacturing, port-led industrial development, and measures to curb the migration of skilled talent to competing technology hubs.
Stakeholders urged the government to enhance transparency and predictability in regulatory processes, recommending a commitment to a 21-day approval timeline for industrial projects. Industry leaders also sought stronger investor support mechanisms and a truly integrated single-window clearance system to accelerate project approvals and improve ease of doing business.
Talent retention emerged as a key concern, with participants highlighting the growing movement of students and skilled professionals to cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Suggestions included building a stronger innovation ecosystem and expanding opportunities in emerging sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, electronics manufacturing and VLSI packaging.
According to Ravichandran Purushothaman, Tamil Nadu must move beyond volume-driven industrial growth towards sectors that generate higher value per acre and per worker, including semiconductor design, advanced EV software and deep-tech global capability centres in Tier-2 cities.
Reaffirming the State’s commitment to industry, Minister Keerthana said Tamil Nadu aims to build a faster, more responsive and investment-friendly business environment through time-bound approvals, streamlined processes and proactive governance, supporting its vision of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy. The government also pledged to provide policy stability and consistent reforms to drive investment, innovation, job creation and inclusive growth.
