The Hindu Business Line : Oil cos may invest in Mangalore SEZ

A GROUP of oil companies is likely to invest in the proposed coastal special economic zone (SEZ) in Mangalore, according to Mr A. Srinivasa Rao, President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Addressing presspersons after holding a joint meeting with the representatives of Udupi, Sullia and Vittal chambers of commerce and industry here on Saturday evening, he said that a group of companies, including Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, GAIL (India) and LNG-Petronet will participate in the project.

"We are not yet sure who is coming to set up the power plant under the proposed SEZ. What we have learnt is that the Petroleum Minister has asked the State Government to find a private player for the power project," he said.

Mr Rao said that all the chambers of commerce and industry in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have expressed solidarity with KCCI in welcoming development projects in these districts.

He said that Mangalore airport should be upgraded to handle international flights, and the construction of the second runway should be completed on time. The State Government should expedite its contribution to the project. The delay in the completion of the work would lead to cost escalation.

Simultaneously, the Government should also take steps to open an immigration counter and passport office in Mangalore, he said.

The chambers of the both the districts want the establishment of coal-based thermal power station, promoted by the Nagarjuna Group, at Padubidri in Udupi district. However, local people should be given preference in employment aspects, he said.

The Government should make provision for the establishment of garment industries at the proposed Export Promotion Industrial Park at Ganjimath in Mangalore taluk, he said.

The President of the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Devadas Shanbhag, expressed concern over the scarcity of `commercial' kerosene in the market. He said that `commercial' kerosene is essential for the survival of the small-scale industries in the region.

The President of the Sullia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr M.B. Sadashiva, said that Sullia taluk has largest number of rubber growers and many people from other parts of country visit the place for buying rubber. He demanded that the Government open a centre for rubber in Sullia taluk. Such a centre will help in marketing rubber products and in carrying out research and development activities.

The KCCI Vice-President, Capt J.P. Menezes, and the President of the Vittal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Seetharam Shetty, were present.

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