AP-Australia ink MoU for mining
Hyderabad, June 24 (INN): To position Andhra Pradesh on the global map as an emerging investment destination, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday met a delegation led by Steven Ciobo, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Investment, Australia.
During the meeting, a MoU was signed between AP Mining Development Corporation (APMDC) and NSL Mining Resources India Pvt. Ltd. (a subsidiary of Australia's NSL Consolidated Limited) for beneficiation of low-grade iron ore from reserves in Kurnool and Kadapa.
After the MoU-signing, the Chief Minister and Ciobo discussed areas of collaboration in infrastructure, mining, agro-processing, fisheries, skill development, financial services and opportunities in the capital region.
The Australian delegation consisted of businessmen/industrialists operating in financial sector, pharmaceutical industry, food-processing, energy and infrastructure.
Later, the Chief Minister briefed the delegation about the advantages of Andhra Pradesh and highlighted common areas of collaboration. When asked by a delegate about the three priority areas of the government, the Chief Minister said that infrastructure development (airports, ports, roads, inland waterways and inter-linking of rivers), skill development (to build capacities) and to develop a world-class capital city.
Another delegate enquired about Andhra Pradesh's higher education plans. To this, the Chief Minister replied that the state is working to collaborate with International Universities for student-exchange programs, internships, etc. 'We are also focusing on collaborations for upcoming Marine, Hospitality and Water Resources Universities,' he added.
Answering another query on healthcare plan for the state, the Chief Minister said that he plans to make Andhra Pradesh a medical tourism hub and explained that Vizag has a good pharmaceutical industry base.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister invited Australian delegates to take part in Sunrise AP Global Investment Summit that will be held in October in Vizag.
At the end of the session, Ciobo invited the Chief Minister and his team to visit Australia to understand their expertise and further seal agreements based on the state's interest.
Special Chief Secretary S.P. Tucker, Principal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Heads of Department of Energy & Infrastructure, Industries and other officials were present at the meeting.
News Posted: 24 June, 2015
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