THE Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for
Financial Services and Superannuation, Government of Australia, Mr Bill Shorten
called on the Union Minister for Steel, Mr Beni Prasad Verma, here yesterday.
They discussed cooperation in the Mineral and Mining sector.
During the meeting, Mr Verma said that 80% of coking coal used by Indian
Steel Industry is imported from Australia. He said that Australia a very
important partner for the India, which contributes significantly to India’s
growth. He urged Mr. Shorten for support to Indian Iron and Steel Industry to
acquire coking coal and iron ore assets in Australia. Mr. Bill Shorten, assured
all help to the Indian companies to set up a base in Australia.
During his interaction with the foreign delegation, the Secretary Steel,
Mr P.K. Misra, sought the help of Australian Government in verifying that the
mineral properties being acquired by Indian companies are encumbrance free.
Replying to the secretary’s questions Mr. Shorten said that such aspects could
be looked into.
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