WEF Davos push: Global giants discuss fresh investments in Karnataka

Industry Minister M.B. Patil holds high-level meetings with global companies at Davos as Karnataka attracts massive investment interest across aviation, agriculture, beverages, manufacturing, and green technology.

Karnataka has strengthened its position as a preferred global investment destination at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, with several leading international and Indian companies expressing strong interest in expanding operations in the state.

Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil, who is attending the WEF summit, held detailed discussions with senior representatives of global corporations on investment opportunities, policy support, incentives, and upcoming initiatives of the Karnataka government. Officials briefed Patil on WEF-led collaborations and potential partnerships aimed at accelerating industrial growth.

Patil highlighted Karnataka’s strong digital economy, innovation ecosystem, and the state’s proven track record in hosting global technology and manufacturing companies. He said these strengths continue to attract long-term investors across sectors.

Among the companies that met the minister were Menzies Aviation, UPL, The Coca-Cola Company, Tata Sons, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), and Natural Fiber Welding (NFW Earth).

Menzies Aviation has already invested USD 25 million in Bengaluru to develop cargo handling operations. The company is now exploring additional services at Kempegowda International Airport and has shown interest in investing another USD 10 million. It has also proposed setting up a Global Capability Centre in Karnataka.

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Fertiliser major UPL is planning to expand its presence in the state. The company currently records an annual turnover of ₹300 crore in North Karnataka and has expressed interest in importing potash through Mangaluru Port. It has also proposed promoting maize-based industries and shared details of a new technology that can boost agricultural productivity while reducing urea usage by 30 percent.

Patil also urged The Coca-Cola Company to move forward with its India investment plan of ₹25,760 crore announced last year. Considering the water requirements for beverage production, Vijayapura was suggested as a suitable location.

AB InBev, which operates a beer manufacturing unit in Mysuru, conveyed its interest in further expanding production in Karnataka. Meanwhile, NFW Earth, which focuses on plastic alternatives, has committed to investing ₹1,800 crore in India in the first phase and will soon submit a detailed proposal to the state government.

The Tata Group, which already employs over 1.3 lakh people in Bengaluru, shared its future project requirements. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran visited the Karnataka Pavilion in Davos and held discussions with Patil.

Patil said Karnataka has already attracted ₹6.24 lakh crore in investments in 2025, including ₹4.71 lakh crore from the Global Investors Meet and an additional ₹1.53 lakh crore through other engagements.