TN CM Stalin embarks on week-long Germany-UK tour to attract investments

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin embarked on a week-long foreign visit to Germany and the United Kingdom on Saturday (August 30), aiming to attract new industrial investments to the state.

Stalin emphasised that his mission was to secure investments, sign new agreements, and bolster Tamil Nadu’s growing economic stature. He is scheduled to return by September 8.

Attracting investment

Speaking to reporters before departure, Stalin said the success of his previous foreign trips had resulted in substantial investments for Tamil Nadu. “Since the DMK assumed office in 2021, we have attracted investments worth ₹10.62 lakh crore, with 922 MoUs signed, resulting in job opportunities for 32.81 lakh people,” the CM said. He noted that many of these projects are in their final stages, and several companies have already begun operations.

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Looking back on his previous visits to the United States, Spain, Japan, UAE, and Singapore, Stalin pointed out that they had led to 36 MoUs worth Rs 18,498 crore, creating employment for over 30,000 people.

“Out of these 36 MoUs, 23 are already in various stages of implementation,” Stalin said. “In continuation of such efforts, I am now visiting Germany and England to build on that momentum and bring in even more investments,” he added.

One of the key events on Stalin’s agenda during this trip will be his participation in the conference marking the centenary of the Dravidian movement at the University of Oxford on September 4. As part of the event, Stalin will unveil a portrait of EV Ramasamy, popularly known as ‘Periyar’, a stalwart of the Dravidian movement.

AIADMK slams Stalin

Stalin’s foreign visits have not been without their critics. The Opposition AIADMK, led by General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, has frequently questioned the tangible benefits of such trips. Responding to their criticism, Stalin asserted, “Palaniswami seems to think my trips will end up like his. But the difference is that the MoUs I have signed are already being implemented.”

He reiterated that the investments secured through his foreign tours were already bearing fruit, creating job opportunities and contributing to Tamil Nadu’s growing economic prospects. “The central government’s data proves that Tamil Nadu is on the path of rapid growth,” Stalin said, referring to a recent Union Ministry report that estimated the state’s growth rate at 11.19 percent for the year 2024-2025. “This growth rate is not just a number; it’s a testament to the success of our policies, which have revived the state’s economy,” said Stalin.

The chief minister also pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s economic growth is now at its highest in 14 years. “We are seeing growth levels that were last achieved during the previous DMK regime. The state’s economy has grown by 2.2 per cent more than initially projected in this year's budget,” he noted.

No comment on Vijay

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, speculation about actor Vijay's potential entry into politics has been gaining momentum. Vijay, who recently hinted that the upcoming elections would be a two-party contest between his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the DMK, has caught the public’s attention. However, Stalin refused to comment directly on the actor’s political ambitions.

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When asked about Vijay’s statements and his state-level conference, Stalin said, “I do not speak much about these matters. There is no need for me to comment. Let actions speak louder than words.” He reiterated that the DMK’s strength lies in its work, not in boasting or making unnecessary statements.

Stalin also dismissed questions about potential new alliances, saying, “Whether new parties join us or not doesn’t matter. What’s important is that more and more voters are moving towards the DMK. Our support base is steadily growing.”