Dimapur, Sep. 26 (EMN): South Korean’s company, Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS), the world’s second-biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer from Iran, Saudi Arab and Nicobar Island, is keen to explore opportunities in Nagaland and ink agreement for possible investment in limestones and also develop LNG export unit in the state as transit point for export to other ASEAN countries, this was informed through CMO Media Cell on Sunday.
Meeting with Chief Minister TR Zeliang at his residential office on Sep. 24, the press release stated that the President Green Energy Inc Korea, Bo Sung Cessilia Park, was optimistic that Nagaland has huge limestone reserve in Mimi village of Kiphire district and also oil and gas fields in pockets of the State. Displaying a slide show presentation, she said, if MoU could be eventually signed, then Kogascanemploy its large LNG carriers (NICKO ship) to export limestones to ASEAN countries through waterways.
The crushed limestone stone is used for road base and railroad ballast. It is also used as raw material for cement plant and manufacture of glass.
Park said the company is engaged in import, refinery and export and that Nagaland would the best transit point to import, refine and supply of products from Middle East to South East Asia. She also suggested obtaining NOC from land owners and geological report as negotiation is being traded.
The chief minister suggested the delegates to conduct chopper survey in the month of November and urged them to submit the concept note of the proposal and sample letters of Government of India favoring for joint venture. He also suggested having thorough discussions with senior government officials at secretariat tomorrow.
Managing Director Kaashi Visweshwar Minerals Pvt.Ltd Kasi Lalith, a partner of Kogas, informed chief minister that Bangladesh and Malaysia have also agreed for business collaboration.
Meanwhile, a team of Myanmar delegates who attended the NE Connectivity Summit, called on chief minister and discussed on varied issues including border trade, air, rail and road connectivity, political and cultural exchange programmes and Naga political issues besides promotion of tourism and building relationship, the release stated.
The chief minister urged the delegates to seriously work together in bringing about ceasefire between NSCN-K, GoI and Myanmar so that there is permanent peace and development in two countries. He said, “let us convert ‘sanctuary of insurgents’ into commercial hub through peace initiative and development process. You take initiative in your country Myanmar and we will take initiative in our country.”
Meanwhile, the press release also stated that the Minister Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, Mandalay Region, Sai Kyaw Zaw, has invited the chief minister to attend the upcoming cultural festival of Myanmar beginning October 24. He also informed that there will be a Cultural and Business Event from October 21-24, where four India’s NE states including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh and four states of Myanmar would be participating. About 160 dance groups will perform in the mega event.
The chief minister also invited the delegates to visit Nagaland during Hornbill festival. He also suggested his counterparts to contribute suggestion and support to Nagaland Vision Document 2030 which envisions the desired developmental directions and goals of Nagaland in various sectors.
