Madurai: Representatives of Taiwanese companies Wan Hai Lines, Delta Electronics and Sheng Long Bio-Tech began a two-day visit to Tirunelveli and Tuticorin on Monday to assess industrial infrastructure, logistics and export facilities as they explore investment opportunities in Tamil Nadu.The delegation, accompanied by local industrialists, inspected the VOC Port in Tuticorin to study container handling, storage capacity and export-import infrastructure. They are scheduled to visit Sipcot Gangaikondan and hold meetings with local stakeholders and officials on Tuesday before concluding the visit.The eight-member team is also visiting existing industrial units, including TP Solar and VinFast’s facility in Tuticorin, to understand manufacturing ecosystems.Wan Hai Lines is a container shipping company, Delta Electronics is a global electronics and power systems manufacturer with operations in Bengaluru, while Sheng Long Bio-Tech operates in the aquaculture sector.Government sources said the visit was only an exploratory exercise to understand the region’s industrial ecosystem and assess available infrastructure. “No investment commitment or project has been discussed at this stage,” a state industries department source said, adding that the visit was part of the due diligence any major investor undertakes to assess roads, power, connectivity, skilled manpower and other infrastructure before taking a decision. “We hope it progresses positively.”Calling it an opportunity to attract a multi-crore investment, Tirunelveli District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Gunasingh Chelladurai said the companies were evaluating infrastructure before deciding their next steps. “They asked us to show them the infrastructure and conduct a survey of the region. They will inspect the facilities, including the Sipcot industrial parks, and then give their opinion,” he said.He said Tirunelveli and Tuticorin offered lower industrial land costs than Chennai and had a large pool of skilled graduates. “An acre in Sipcot near Chennai costs around ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore, while land here is available for a lesser rate. For companies requiring 500 to 1,000 acres, the savings are substantial. The region also has educated graduates, ensuring availability of skilled manpower,” he said.
