The Agri and All Trade Chamber, along with its platform You Export, will organise a seminar titled MDU Raising on December 20 at the Agro Food Trade Centre in Sikandar Chavadi, Madurai.

In a joint statement, chamber president S. Rethinavelu and You Export president K. Thiruppathirajan said that despite several development initiatives, Madurai—often described as the gateway to southern Tamil Nadu—has not achieved the level of growth it deserves.

They said recent assurances by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at the Investors Conclave in Madurai, including plans to develop the city into an industrial hub and the release of the Madurai Master Plan 2044, were encouraging steps outlining a 20-year development roadmap.

The seminar aims to review ongoing development projects, deliberate on proposals under the Master Plan and hold constructive discussions to highlight additional schemes and infrastructure required for Madurai’s holistic growth. The announcement of industrial cluster zones and dedicated pathways for non-motorised transport to ease traffic congestion were described as particularly noteworthy.

The organisers said transforming Madurai into a clean city with strong infrastructure and promoting growth across industry, trade, exports, tourism and water management would require participation not only from the Central and State governments and local bodies, but also from concerned citizens and organisations.

In line with this vision, they announced the formation of the Madurai City Development Trust, inviting organisations and individuals with similar objectives to join the initiative. Funding for development projects is also expected to be mobilised through corporate social responsibility channels. The overarching goal, they said, is to transform the city into a “Sparkling Madurai”.