India offers expertise to diamond-rich Congo

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) India has offered its expertise in cutting and polishing of diamonds to the mineral-rich Congo.

During a meeting with Congo's National Economy and Commerce Minister Endra-Philippe Futa here, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said, besides diamonds India could also cooperate with the African country for meaningful exploitation of copper and cobalt which also exist in abundance in Congo. He also offered Indian assistance in modernising mining sector.

Congo is world's second largest producer of diamonds and Indian companies like MMTC are in a position to join hands for exploitation of rich potential which exists in this sector, Mr Kamal Nath said.

Referring to immense hydro-electric power resources in Congo, he said National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and several other Indian companies could provide technical expertise in exploiting this energy resource.

Mr Kamal Nath also offered Indian technical expertise to Congo in modernising and managing small and medium enterprises through National Small Industries Corporation.

The Congo delegation, which participated in the Partnership Summit, also visited the Auto Expo which concluded here last evening.

UNI SAA PDT AS1810