NEWSMAKERS 2024: T R B Rajaa - The Investment Catalyst

The year 2024 saw T R B Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s minister for industries, investment and commerce, emerge as a transformative force in the state's industrial landscape. Under his leadership, Tamil Nadu has attracted an impressive Rs 10 lakh crore in investments, resulting in the creation of around 31 lakh jobs. This remarkable achievement has earned Rajaa recognition as a game-changer in government.

While Rajaa credits Chief Minister M K Stalin for the influx of investments, industry experts and government insiders attribute much of this success to Rajaa's dynamic approach.

At 47, the third-time MLA from Mannargudi is the first representative from the Cauvery Delta to serve in Stalin's ministry, navigating the political terrain with skill and determination.

Before his cabinet position, Rajaa held various significant roles, including membership in the State Planning Commission and leadership of the DMK's IT wing. His tenure in these positions showcased his ability to drive impactful change and engage effectively with constituents.

Notable achievements during his tenure include bringing major green- and brown-field projects from companies like Tata-JLR, Hyundai, Foxconn, Caterpillar, Google, Samsung, Nokia, Apllied Materials, Tata Power, Autodesk, Jabil and Rockwell.

The most recent achievement was bringing back US automajor Ford to Tamil Nadu.

Rajaa emphasises the importance of quality investments, a principle that has guided his efforts.

Rajaa’s hands-on, detail-oriented approach has garnered accolades from colleagues. He comes fully prepared for all his meetings. He takes notes on everything and keeps referring to them.

He is known for his direct engagement with business leaders, having successfully negotiated investments through personal meetings with CEOs of companies such as Foxconn and Vinfast.

One of the officials in the Department recalled how Rajaa personally went with a small team to meet the chairman of Vinfast for 17-18 hours of hard negotiations.

“He is an aggressive salesman,” said the official, adding that Rajaa also believes that one needs to celebrate if something big is achieved, and as a sales person, one should ask for what one wants, while giving a solution to the client. He also expects his team to deliver the best and  doesn't like a laid back or tentative attitude.

An official recalled a recent meeting led by Rajaa with a renewable energy firm, where the company's CEO proudly touted a "huge" investment commitment.

However, Rajaa remained composed, expressing concern that the investment would not generate enough jobs. He made it clear that while investment is important, job creation is his priority. By the end of the lengthy meeting, the CEO agreed to consider additional investments from his group firms, promising that this would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in the state.

Rajaa, who manages the State Industry Department – which has dozens of agencies and departments – along with his constituency and the Party's IT and NRI wings, is always wired and connected, and works about 17-18 hours a day.

He likes to relax amid nature and gets excited about new technologies. This is one of the reasons why he keeps retweeting Elon Musk's posts, pointed out someone close to him on a lighter note.

He also pointed out that Rajaa is a regular at air shows and has an impressive ability to identify aircrafts and helicopters. He is also up-to-date with various gadgets and innovations around the world.

His academic background, which includes a PhD in Counselling Psychology and Management, informs his strategic thinking.

Rajaa’s insights into voter behaviour, derived from his doctoral research, have shaped his political strategies, making him a formidable figure in Tamil Nadu’s governance.

With ambitious goals for the state, including a target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, Rajaa's role is pivotal in driving Tamil Nadu toward sustained economic growth. His blend of leadership, humility, and strategic insight positions him as a key architect of the state's future.