China keen to partner India in design, construction

Wednesday, 02 June 2004, 19:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: China is keen to forge new partnerships with India in design and construction, a visiting Chinese delegation leader said here Tuesday. "With China's accession into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and its hosting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, there is a great spurt in construction activity, which the Indian construction industry could tap," said Chi Changhai, vice-chairman of China International Construction Association (Chinca). Addressing an interactive meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Chi said, "China is keen to work with India, to forge new opportunities for the design and construction industry in China and India." Leading a 19-member delegation, Chi said Chinese companies are keen to explore projects on BOT (build-operate-transfer) basis, in partnership with Indian companies in areas like railways, housing, hospitals and bridges. Chinese companies have started similar contract power projects in Indonesia and Cambodia. One of the companies represented in the delegation is presently undertaking a metro project worth $1 billion in Iran as a general contractor, Chi pointed out. He hoped that members of the delegation accompanying him would find partners in India for cooperation in similar projects. Urging more Chinese investment in India, CII deputy director general Gurpal Singh said that through the industry lobby's office in China, efforts are being made to promote bilateral trade and project Indian expertise through the annual 'Made in India' show. The CII has committed itself to achieve $20 billion bilateral trade by 2010, up from $7.59 billion in 2003.
Source: IANS
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