The Minister of Steel also met with Honble Minister of Natural Resources & Mines, Government of Queensland, Mr. Andrew Cripps and Deputy Premier, Government of Queensland, Mr. Jeff Seeney, in Brisbane on 29th January, 2014.
While interacting with Mr. Macfarlane, Shri Verma spoke about the potential for supply of coal to India and the need for reliable raw material suppliers. He also spoke in favour of considering supply of coking coal to Indian steel Industry on priority basis. Minister of Steel further talked about exploring the possibility of a long term agreement for export of coking coal.
Interacting with Mr. Andrew Cripps, Shri Verma expressed his belief that India and Government of Queensland, Australia can jointly explore possibilities of investment in development of coal assets.
During his meeting with Mr. Jeff Seeney, Shri Verma stressed on the need for exploring possibilities of a long term agreement for export of coking coal between New Zealand and Indian governments.
Shri Beni Prasad Verma met with Mr. Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy & Resources, Government of New Zealand in Wellington on 30th January, 2014. During the deliberations he pushed for allocation of mineral assets on a Government to Government basis.
The Minister of Steel also met with Australia – India Business council; Ms. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Australia was present during the meeting. Shri Verma shared his views about the steel industry and on issues of the economic cooperation.
Visits to both the countries got a great response from ministers, government officials and business community of both Australia and New Zealand government. The interactions were successful in strengthening relations in areas of mutual interest and for promoting future growth and cooperation.
The Indian delegation led by Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma, comprises Chairman, SAIL, NMDC and ICVL, Shri C.S. Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri S. Abbasi, CMD, MOIL Ltd., Shri G.P. Kundergi and CEO, ICVL, Shri Ajay Mathur.
