Shri Verma’s visit aimed to push for allocation of mineral assets on a Government to Government basis.
As a part of the visit, Minister of Steel met with Mr. Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy & Resources, Government of New Zealand in Wellington on 30th January, 2014.
During his interaction with Mr. Bridges, Shri Verma said, “We are looking forward to the Government of New Zealand for allocating mineral assets to Indian public sector companies on a Government to Government basis.”
He further added that options of joint development of coal mines could also be explored. Minister of Steel further added that Trade between the two countries has grown by about 40% during the last four years and can be increased further through better cooperation and synergy.
During the course of deliberations an understanding evolved that a lot can be achieved by both the countries in the areas of mining. New Zealand government officials expressed their belief in the strength of mutual dialogue and bilateral relations between the two countries, built over the years.
They were hopeful that ties between the two countries would further benefit from the vision of Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma.
