Pushing for allocation of mineral assets to its public sector undertakings, India today asked New Zealand to consider it on a government-to-government basis, fostering business ties between both the nations.
Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma is leading a high-level delegation to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen ties in the areas such as mining and coal supply.
"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," Verma told Minister of Energy & Resources, New Zealand in Wellington during an interaction, as per an official statement here.
Verma said the options of joint development of coal mines could also be explored, adding that the trade between the two countries has grown by about 40 per cent 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," the statement said.
New Zealand government officials expressed their belief in the strength of mutual dialogue and bilateral relations between the two countries, built over the years, it added.
The delegation comprises Chairman of SAIL, NMDC and ICVL, C S Verma; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, S Abbasi; CMD, MOIL G P Kundergi and CEO, ICVL, Ajay Mathur.
