Chennai, Mar 12 (UNI) Tamil Nadu is passing through a ''golden period'' as it has attracted investments worth Rs 7,000 crore from eight global companies in the last ten months alone, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said today.

Addressing the first meeting of a Special Task Force, constituted under his Chairmanship with the participation of representatives of industry to resolve problems arising in industries and commerce and to ensure their hassle-free growth, he said leading international companies had shown interest in investing in Tamil Nadu due to the government's pro-active role and the state's rapid industrial growth.

He said the signing of MoU with eight global players for setting up their manufacturing facilities here would ensure direct employment to 37,000 people and indirect employment to 60,000 people.

Stating that more such projects were in the offing, the Chief Minister said the government wanted to provide a bright future to educated youth in the state.

Stressing the importance of coordinated efforts between the government and investors to sustain industrial growth, Mr Karunanidhi said the government was giving special attention to improve facilities like power, road and water in industrial areas.

There was no doubt that Tamil Nadu would attract more investments if the infrastructure was developed, he said and added that the state had put forth various demands, including expansion of harbours, improving railway facilities and development of airports, to the Centre.

Mr Karunanidhi also called upon industries to join hands with government and private technical institutes to train students as per the requirements of the industry.

UNI