Modi wants to make Gujarat a maritime state with Korean help

Gandhinagar, May 18 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today held discussions with one of the world's best ship building companies, STX Ship Building Limited, and Korea Maritime University for making Gujarat a maritime State.

Mr Modi, on the third day of his five-day South Korea visit, reached Busan Metropolitan city which is the second largest city of Korea and third biggest container port in the world. He visited the major ship building yard of STX in Busan and explored the possibilities of bringing modern ship-breaking yard to Gujarat with Korean technology.

Mr Modi called on Busan mayor Hur Nak-Sik and held discussions with the latter.

Mr Hur expressed his interest in establishing sister city relationship with Surat city as both Busan and Surat enjoy similarities. Mr Modi invited the mayor to visit Gujarat during the Navratri festival, according to an official release here today.

Mr Modi also held a meeting with Korean Maritime University officials to explore the possibility of establishing a maritime university. In the meeting it was decided that an expert team from Korea University will visit Gujarat in the near future for this purpose.

Members of small and medium industrial groups in Korea called on Mr Modi and expressed their interest in working along with their counterparts in Gujarat. While welcoming this as a unique cooperatation, Chief minister assured full support from his government for the benefit of both the sides.

The Chief Minister also visited a special monument erected by city of Busan in honour of the Indian who extended medical aid during the Korean war of 1950. It was a glorious example of emotional bond between the people of India and Korea, Mr Modi said.

Mr Modi, along with 37 members of a business delegation, is in South Korea on a five-day visit.

UNI