Karnataka Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh Thursday invited investors to participate in infrastructure development in his state.

Addressing a summit on sustainable public-private partnerships in infrastructure (Suminfra) 2005 here, he said there were several opportunities in areas like electricity generation and distribution, upgrading of state highways, rural infrastructure development, metro rail systems and airport link projects.

Singh also invited projects for special economic zones, technology parks, common facility centres, industrial storage as well as transportation and marketing infrastructure.

Accompanied by Industry and Infrastructure Development Minister P.G.R. Sindhia, he explained the initiatives taken by his government during the last 14 months for rapid industrialisation of the state.

"Our vision is to see Karnataka among the most developed states in India by 2010," Singh said.

Later, addressing reporters at a news conference, he denied that IT companies were shifting out of Bangalore due to the city's poor infrastructure.

"The IT industry is satisfied with the initiatives we are taking."

Singh said IT exports from Karnataka, which were Rs.270 billion last year, are expected to touch Rs.1,000 billion by 2010.

The central government has cleared an investment of Rs.211.76 billion by Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) in mega chemical projects in the state.

Apart from International Airport at Bangalore, the government had completed all formalities for setting up new airports at Hassan, Gulbarga and Mysore, Singh said.

"The work on upgradation of Mangalore Airport to international standards is in full swing," he added.