Press Release No. 22

16 April 2008

INDIA AND EGYPT TO INTENSIFY COOPERATION IN FERTILISER SECTOR

Egypt has assured India it will give special treatment to Indian on export of rock phosphates is concerned. The assurance was made by the visiting Trade and Industry Minister of Egypt Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid when he called on the Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Steel Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan here today. Mr. Rachid said, Egypt will also consider the Indian request for giving Free Zone status to the location for setting a joint venture between IFFCO and Egypt. IFFCO holds 76 per cent equity in the $ 325Million venture. Mr. Paswan also requested the visiting Minister to export low grade rock phosphate to India which could be used for the manufacture of SSP.

The Egyptian side also showed keen interest in Indian steel consultancy organizations. Mr. Rachid appreciated the progress made by Indian Pharmaceutical industry and said there is scope for the two countries to cooperate in this area also. Mr. Paswan urged the Minister to increase import of Indian pharmaceuticals. Mr. Paswan also offered the facilities at the NIPER for training drug regulators from Egypt. The visiting Minister agreed to encourage Egyptian industry to participate in the trade show on Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Pharmaceuticals scheduled to be held at Mumbai from 22nd to 24th October this year.

The Egyptian Agriculture Minister Mr. Amin Abaza later called on Mr. Paswan and discussed matters of mutual interest.

(Source: PIB)

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