Norwegian Government keen to invest in power plants in HP

The Norwegian government has expressed its keenness to step up investment in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the field of hydro-power considering its vast potential in the state.
Norwegian ambassador Eivind S Homme today conveyed this to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh at a meeting in New Delhi, and said that Norway and India already enjoyed excellent bilateral relations based on mutual interests and values.
Homme told the Chief Minister that Norway has a good track record in the field of hydro-power technologies, and that Norwegian company SN Power was already executing two power plants -- Allain Duhangan and Malana -- in Kullu district, according to a government release here.

Singh assured Homme of all possible assistance to the Norwegian government to give boost to the bilateral relations, besides giving fillip to investment and trade in hydro-power and tourism sectors.
He said his government had initiated various measures to attract investors to the state, and had announced various sops for entrepreneurs. He said the government was providing them necessary facilities like eco-friendly environment and power supply on economically viable rates for setting up projects.
He said his government was also ensuring timely clearance of various projects.
Singh said due to difficult topography and geographical conditions, Himachal has its own challenges but the government was committed to make the state a favourite industrial hub. Efforts were being made to boost infrastructural facilities in the state, he added.