Linde Group to work with AP
Hyderabad, Aug 21 (INN): With Andhra Pradesh being the top state in fisheries production in India, Germany's Linde Group has evinced interest in working with the state in freezing of sea food.
Linde Group's Chief Executive Office Dr. Wolfgang Buchele, Member of Executive Board Sanjiv Lamba, Linde Gases Division South Asia head Moloy Banerjee and Vice-president marketing, sales and CSCM of Linde Vinayak Kembhani met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada on Friday.
During the meeting, Dr. Buchele explained Linde Group's expertise in cryogenic freezing of food, international gases market and engineering expertise in supporting olefin plants, natural gas plants and air separation plants, as well as hydrogen and synthesis gas plants.
The Linde Group CEO added that the company also has a base in Gujarat and is looking for a strong base in Andhra Pradesh. 'Andhra Pradesh has a long coast and has strong production of sea food. We want to support you in freezing of sea food and add value to exports. We are looking to invest over $200 million,' he added.
Meanwhile, Member of Executive Board Sanjiv Lamba said that the Group is also interested in Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and auto components.
HouzLamba added that the company is also interested to set up an air-circulation plant, a lab and an academy that will train the personnel required for supporting food processing. 'This will help us create a self-sustained supply chain around which ancillary industries will mushroom,' he added.
Replying to HouzLamba, the Chief Minister explained the advantages of Andhra Pradesh and said that the government is planning to make it the logistics hub of South East Asia. 'You can send your team to study the agriculture and allied activities in the state and identify business opportunities.'
Stating that Andhra Pradesh has highest fisheries production, the Chief Minister asked the Group to begin work phase-wise. 'First you can begin with freezing sea food, then move to freezing fruits,' the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister added that Linde Group can also work with Andhra Pradesh on cold storage facilities in 13 Food parks that are coming up across the state. 'You can begin working with Fisheries Development Corporation. Work on an action plan and submit a report within 4 weeks,' the Chief Minister concluded.
Principal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Finance P.V. Ramesh, Principal Secretary Infrastructure, Investments, Energy and Ports Ajay Jain, OSD to CM Venkaiah Chowdary were present.
News Posted: 21 August, 2015
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