MUMBAI: Forget Mumbai becoming a Shanghai. Maharashtra can go the China way in manufacturing if business is transacted as is done in that country, says Industries Minister Ashok Chavan, just back from a visit there. "In China, there are no hurdles once a decision is made. Here, we cannot manage that because of our democratic system," he told journalists here on Tuesday. "They stick to time schedules. That country is a sharp contrast to others."

The Maharashtra team visited the Shenzhen and Shanghai Special Economic Zones, and met officials, bankers and administrators. Industries Secretary V.K. Jairath said: "There are lessons to be learnt; there's a price for a democratic political system but efficiencies can be brought in." The Chinese development model, based on quickly realising targets, was amazing. "Once a line was drawn to show the route of a highway, it did not deviate an inch," and their "speed in getting things done is enormous." The commitment to schedules was strong. Mr. Chavan said he could not change the political system but could speed up decisions. He was happy that Maharashtra "is still an attraction.

The Chinese and South Koreans we met are interested" though there were gaps in infrastructure yet to be bridged.

The team, which also visited South Korea, assured Samsung of a "red carpet for investments" .

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