K'taka CM calls on Oman Minister for investments

Dubai, June 12: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy held talks with the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Oman Sultan Maqbool bin Ali and officials of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on investment in the state's energy sector.

He said Karnataka is seeking investment in infrastructure, housing and energy sector, especially gas-based power projects.

During the talks held yesterday, the industry minister expressed interest in collaborative projects, particularly in the Information Technology sector.

Mr Kumaraswamy said a high-level Omanese delegation of ministers and officials would be visiting Bangalore during which proposals for investments in various sectors would be finalised.

''We have invited the minister to participate in the conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on public-private-partnership to be held in Bangalore in January 2007,'' Mr Kumaraswamy told the Times of Oman.

Mr Kumaraswamy said his government would further strengthen the grievance redressal cell to address the grievances of NRIs from Karanataka.

Karnataka is also planning to set up an exclusive layout for NRI's around Bangalore, he said adding that the international airport at Devanahalli is scheduled for completion in 2008, which he hoped would be connected to Gulf destinations.

UNI