To advance the manufacturing industry in the state to higher value-added segments, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Tamil Nadu government aim to establish a "India Centre for Advanced Manufacturing" in Chennai.

The state government and WEF representatives held a public-private discussion in the city on Tuesday to advance plans for the centre and go over its specifications. The centre is scheduled to open in January 2024, as announced by the former industries minister ThangamThenarasu to the state assembly earlier in April.

More than 20 business leaders were part of the meet that set forward the centre's objectives which include fostering national and international collaboration in advanced technologies and supporting companies in innovation, sustainability and R&D endeavours.

Industrialists hailing from various sectors, including electronics, automobile and general manufacturing, and representatives from Guidance Tamil Nadu, the MSME Department, TIDCO and TNSDC were also present.