Russian companies keen to invest in Arunachal

Itanagar, Aug 07 (UNI) Impressed by the huge potentials for investment in Arunachal Pradesh, some private Russian companies have shown keen interest for mutual investments in the state's hydro power, tourism, and roads sectors.

This was communicated to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and his cabinet colleagues by Russian Ambassador to India Mr Vyacheslav I Trubnikov when he called on the former in his office chamber this afternoon, official sources said.

The Ambassador and his four-member entourage are on a three-day tour to the state capital to have first hand information about the investment opportunities in this Himalayan state.

Mr Vyacheslav expressed his desire to strengthen the old strategic relationship between India and Russia and wished to extend it to the North eastern region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, which has vast hidden potentials for investment.

The Ambassador claimed that his country have advance machineries which were at par with the present requirement of technologies in the field of hydropower, tourism, road infrastructure building, food processing, agriculture and horticulture, and said it would be very beneficial to the state if the state government gives them the green signal.

'' We are very familiar with this area as our people had come here fifty years back to explore oil and coal in neighbouring Assam,'' the Ambassador justified and added that they had adequate know-how about the landscape and seismic belt of the state which would enable them to work efficiently in this terrain.

He further appreciated Arunachal for being one of the most peaceful states in India.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said his government was gratified by the proposal offered by the Russian Embassy and would be very happy to join the business ties. He, however, pointed out that the matter could be expedited only after getting clearance from the Center for investing in Arunachal Pradesh, sources said.

'' We have no objections in going for the ties,'' the chief minister comented and apprised them of the state's available resources and potential sectors where investment could be made.

Responding to the request of Arunachal chief minister, the Russian Ambassador said that his office would try to impress upon the Centre for the required clearance. He further urged the state government to extend positive and active participation in order to make Arunachal a business partner of Russia, sources added.

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