UAE may invest in four mega projects in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 14 (UNI) The United Arab Emirates has evinced interest in investing in four mega projects in Kerala and an MoU is likely to be signed in February 2008.

Secretary to Ministry of Finance and Industries, the UAE Government, Younis HajiAl Khoori told reporters here that discussions were held regarding a Petro-Chemical and Refinery Complex near Azhikal, a gas or coal-based power project, a financial centre of international standards and development of roads.

''We will look into the possibilities and then sign an MoU,'' he said.

Earlier, the UAE delegation, comprising Industrial Sector, UAE, Secretary Jamal Nasser Lootah, Assistant Director for Industrial development, UAE, Saeed Al Roken and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce Director Yousaf Ali, held discussions with Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.

They also held discussions with State Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem and other officials.

Mr Kareem said a feasibility study on the projects would be conducted before an MoU was signed. All the details, including availability of land, should be looked into, he said and added that the gas or coal-based power project would come up in Kasargode, in north Kerala, and the financial centre in Kochi.

Mr Kareem said the UAE had also evinced interest in investing in the Infrastructure Kerala Ltd and the newly-formed IT Infrastructure Kerala projects.

They said the quantum of investment had not been worked out and it would be finalised after all the feasibility studies were completed.

UNI