UK pitches for PPP infrastructure projects in WB

Kolkata, Nov 24: The United Kingdom today pitched in for infrastructure projects on PPP model in West Bengal.

British firms have the capability to deliver top quality, on budget infrastructure on time, UK Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs Ian McCartney said at an interactive session with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here.

Mr McCartney, who met Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at the Writers' Buildings yesterday, said the government here has great plans for rejuvenating the city and the state and UK companies can help in the process.

He said UK companies can provide skills if the state builds airports. "With 21 international airports, UK is a global air transport hub. We know how to build and manage first class airports.

The outstanding airports at Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong wouldn't have been there without UK input," he said.

The minister showcased UK firms in development and management of ports. "UK firms lead the way in design and management of ports, including port security. British companies also provide services like deep sea container, passenger terminals, fishing ports and gas terminals," Mr McCartney said.

Mr McCartney said the UK companies can provide input for development, planning and operation of water and waste water services. "British firms are already in discussion with the municipal bodies in Kolkata to help improve the delivery of water, waste water and solid waste services in the city," he said.

He also highlighted UK expertise in construction and regeneration of heritage structures.

He said Britain has risen to PPP funding mechanism and last year 780 PPP projects worth 53 billion pounds had been signed in UK.

Another 26 billion pound worth of deals were in the pipeline over the next four years, he said.

UNI