Colombian envoy calls on Punjab CM

Chandigarh, Aug 26 (UNI) Visiting Colombian Ambassador Juan Alfredo Pinto called on Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today and evinced keen interest in improving bilateral relations between Colombia and Punjab for the promotion of trade, commerce and Industry.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr Pinto said that Colombia had a proven track of technology in the field of waste management to generate power.

He said that Colombian government had already set-up a joint venture with Tamil Nadu Government to generate power from the solid waste at Chennai. This project was being implemented by Neel Metal Fanalca headed by Mr Vinay Maheshwari. Mr Pinto showed interest in replicating this project in Punjab.

He also put forth proposals to set-up industrial units in collaboration with Colombian Government in the field of Agro industry, IT and Textiles.

He emphasized the need for cultural exchange between the artistes from Punjab and Colombia. To achieve this objective, a troupe of 16 performers would be visiting Punjab in November to promote cultural ties.

The Chief Minister appreciated the spirit of the visiting ambassador for the promotion of mutual trade and commercial activities. He said Punjab was fast emerging as an investment destination and had been ranked a front-runner state offering competitive advantages in terms of sound agricultural base, strong institutional credit system and global air linking.

Mr Badal pointed out that Punjab had a tremendous growth potential in hosiery and textile, sports goods, infrastructure, super specialty hospitals, leather goods, Bio-technology, retail and entertainment.

The representatives of PHD Chamber of commerce and CII (north) also took part in the deliberations.

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