Patna, Sep 29: Over 500 eminent people from across the world, including non-resident Indians (NRIs), are expected to participate in a global meet to be held here in January to discuss development strategies for a resurgent Bihar.

The global meet is being organised in Patna from January 19 to 21, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi announced here on September 28.

Experts and investors from around the world who are concerned with the development of Bihar are expected to participate in the meet that intends to repackage the state as a favourable investment destination.

The meet, first of its kind in the state, is jointly organised by Bihartimes.com, a Patna-based news portal and the New Delhi-based Institute of Human Development with support from the state government.

Ajay Kumar, chief editor and CEO of the portal, said the global meet would provide a platform to discuss and deliberate on development ideas that can put the state on a path of vibrant socio-economic progress.

It will also help to foster personal and professional contacts among non-resident Biharis (NRBs) and others interested in the state's development.

"It will also enable Bihar to acquire a positive brand name which can be helpful in forging links with the outside world and to contribute towards cultural and educational resurgence of Bihar," Ajay Kumar said.

Bihar is keen to attract foreign investment in agriculture, health, IT and tourism.

State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has agreed to be the chief patron of the meet.

"Nitish Kumar showed keen interest on hosting the meet and assured to make it a big success," Ajay Kumar said.

Modi said that he had already organised two high-level meetings to work out the details and preparation for the global meet.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who visited Britain, Italy and Canada to market Bihar as a favourable investment destination two months ago, has proposed to set up an NRI cell in the State Government to facilitate investments.

"The NRI cell will be established by early next year," Modi said.