Amravati, June 03 (Hrs) AP State IT, Electronics and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, who is on a visit to Russia with an aim to attract investments to the state, held a key meeting in Moscow. He met Ilya Kosih, Deputy CEO and Darya Ashania, Head of International Business of Ruschem Group, a leading company operating gas fields and methanol chemical projects in Russia. While exploring the investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, several key proposals were put forward to them for their perusal. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Lokesh invited setting up of a state-of-the-art processing plant under Ruschem within the jurisdiction of PCPIR at Visakhapatnam-Kakinada on the east coast of India to process India's imported petrochemicals and specialty chemicals. They were asked to partner in the construction of port-based chemical logistics hubs, bulk chemical storage facilities, and the development of dedicated waterfront berths. Further, it was suggested to establish a Collaborative Polymer Application and Material Science Research Centre (R & D Centre) utilising the technical expertise available in AP. Connecting renewable energy corridors with Ras Chem technology, setting up a low-carbon chemicals manufacturing unit was also urged. Ilya Kosih, Deputy CEO of Ruschem Group, responded positively to Minister Lokesh's proposals. In India, bulk chemical distribution is already in the market and through speciality SPVs, he added. He said they are keen to work with local companies and are already supplying chemicals to industries through distribution centres in Mumbai and Kanpur. He stated that key chemicals will be provided to the pharma and manufacturing industries in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada through the Regional Supply Centre in Andhra Pradesh. They promised to use the huge petrochemical plants in India to provide a steady supply to their global clients. Ilya Kosih said that the proposals made by Minister Nara Lokesh are promising and they will be discussed with the high-level team of the organization and a final decision will be announced soon.

Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri welcomes AP Minister Lokesh Earlier, AP Minister Lokesh arrived in Moscow to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. He was welcomed by Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri and Andhra diaspora. The minister will be on a six-day visit to Russia from today. ---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Nagaraj Rao