India pitches for BHEL

New Delhi, Jan 18: While expressing satisfaction over upgradation of joint trade committee to India-Syria Joint Commission for improving economic cooperation between the two countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath pitched for state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) in procuring contracts in Syrian power sector.

During a meeting of the Joint Commission here last evening, he also took up the case of another state entity - Computer Maintenance Corporation - which is facing difficulties in finalising contracts for automation of the railways in Syria.

India offered to make investments in rock phosphates and fertilisers, cement, power sector, IT, education, agro-industries in Syria during the meeting, Commerce Ministry said in a statement today. Syria Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah Dardari attended the meeting.

India also offered to participate in the industrial development of Syria through investments, joint ventures, modernisation of existing industries and supply of machinery, management expertise, technical know-how and technology services for industries.

The meeting was also attended by Syria Higher Education Minister Ghias Barakat, Elecricity Minister Ahmed Khaled Al-Ali and Planning Commission Head Tayseer Suleiman Ridawi.

Drawing attention to allotment of 25 million dollars credit line from India for upgradation and expansion of the GECO Steel in Syria, Mr Kamal Nath invited Syria to send a delegation to India for exploring possibilities of cooperation in chemical sector.

He appreciated the Syrian effort in developing special industrial zones with attractive incentives for industries as part of its economic reforms process.

India-Syria bilateral trade grew by 78.86 per cent to 487.94 million dollars in 2006-07. It comprised of Indian exports of 408.39 million dollars and imports of 79.55 million dollars, including 67.49 million dollars of petroleum products.

UNI