Hyderabad|India|April'2010: The Chief Minister Dr.K. Rosaiah sought
closer trade ties with European Union Countries. He was speaking to the
European Union Inter Parliamentary delegation which called on him at the
Secretariat. The delegation consisted of Members of Parliament from
different European countries like UK, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Austria
and Netherlands.
The Chief Minister explained to the delegation about Andhra Pradesh, the
progress made by the State in various spheres, Indian democratic set up,
Centre-State relations, A.P. Legislative Assembly, Council etc. Dr Rosaiah
told the delegation that Andhra Pradesh is the leader in bulk drugs
manufacturing, formulations and also among the top in Information
technology, ITES, Bio-technology etc. He said Andhra Pradesh has a long
coastline of 950 kms.
The Chief Minister answering a question by the delegation said Andhra
Pradesh in the forefront in women's empowerment. He said the State has the
maximum number of women self-help groups providing them bank loans at 3%
annual interest, reserving 33% reservation for women in local bodies and
said that the Rajya Sabha already passed a bill ensuring 33% reservation
for women. He said the State has a very cordial relation with the Centre.
He also explained about various State and Central development schemes.
The EU Parliamentary delegation said they are in Andhra Pradesh and will
be interacting with people's representatives like MPs, MLAs, NGOs and
other social organisations. They will also visit Narayanpur, Hitech City,
Crop Research Institute and other places in the State. They will also
interact with women's self groups and Infosys etc. They are interested to
study about the diverse aspects of Indian life, the Indian democracy,
progress achieved by Andhra Pradesh etc.
The delegation said that their countries would like to work in close
coordination with India in the crucial spheres of climate change,
terrorism, population growth, migration and environment etc.
The European Parliamentary delegation which met the Chief Minister was
headed by Mr Graham Watson, MP from UK and the Vice Chairperson is Ms.
Lena Kolarska Bobinska from Poland, Mr. I Winkler from Romania, Mr Joanna
from Poland, Ms. Elisa Ferreira from Portugal, Mr J Leightfried from
Austria, Mr Bill Newton Dunn from UK and Mr Peter Van Dalen from
Netherlands. The delegation was accompanied by a host of top officials.
Principal Secretary, Industries, Sam Bob was also present.
-April'
2010
