PM invites Korean investment in solar, nuclear power sectors

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday asked Korean businesses to help the country expand its nuclear power sector. “We are committed to increasing energy efficiency and the share of renewables, including solar and nuclear power, in our energy mix,” he told a group of Korean chief executive officers (CEOs). His remarks come a day after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak requested the Indian government to allocate a site for Korean nuclear reactors.

He also assured India was keen to hasten the Rs 52,000-crore Posco project in Orissa and asked Korean CEOs to “have faith” in the country.

“There will be large business opportunities and I am aware of Korean capabilities in environmental-friendly technologies,” Singh said at a meeting organised by Korean industry chambers. Among the CEOs present was Kim Joong-Kyum of the Korea Electric Power Corporation, which has interests in nuclear power.

A joint statement issued yesterday after Singh held talks with Lee said both leaders expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of a bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement during the Indian President’s visit to the Republic of Korea in July 2011. “Recognising the criticality of non-polluting nuclear energy in the economic development of countries, they agreed to discuss specific items of cooperation with the ongoing review of the safety and security aspects of operating nuclear plants,” the statement had said.

On the Posco project in Orissa, Singh said, “I recognise sometimes our processes can be slow. But there are effective mechanisms for the resolution of problems and differences and a strong rule of law. The government is keen to move forward with the Posco project and there is some progress in this regard.”

Korean giant Posco had planned to set up an integrated steel mill at Jagatsinghpur district in Orissa at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore. However, the project has been hanging fire for over six years due to hurdles in land acquisition and regulatory clearances.

Singh said, “India is a stable and profitable long-term investment opportunity….We will take pro-active steps to address investor grievances and improve the business climate in the country...I urge Korean industry to have faith in India.”

Citing the examples of LG, Samsung and Hyundai that recognised strengths and competitive advantages of the Indian economy, Singh said Korean companies were among the early investors to look at India as an investment destination. “Investment from Korea is a priority for India. Many states of our Union have been actively encouraging foreign investment and we will support these efforts,” he said. PTI n New Delhi

The Prime Minister said after the implementation of the bilateral comprehensive economic partnership agreement in January 2010, mutual trade had surged about 65 per cent to $20.6 billion in 2011. However, it was still below its huge untapped potential, he said. “Therefore, President Lee (Myung-bak) and I decided yesterday to revise the bilateral trade target to $40 billion by 2015. This is a challenge, as well as an opportunity that we must both seize together,” he said.