INDO-BRITISH COAL FORUM
MEET TO STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION

October 30, 1998

Open and frank exchange of views was witnessed in a congenial atmosphere to ensure strengthening of co-operation in various areas of mutual/bilateral interest in coal sector. It was noted that Indo-British Coal Forum is playing a crucial role in improving bilateral co-operation between these two countries.

The major issues discussed during one day meet held at New Delhi today related to De-Pillaring and Roadway Drivages; Import of spares; Director General of Mine Safety’s approvals ; training; rehabilitation/refurbishment of equipment; clean coal technology ; conversion of roadheaders into continuous miners and thin seam technology including long term plans on investment with Coal India Limited.

The 4th meeting of the Indo-British Coal Forum was headed by Shri V.K Thakral, Director, Ministry of Coal whereas the leader of the British delegation was Mr. Roger Newell, Head of Commercial Department, British High Commission, New Delhi. The British delegation consisting of 14 delegates included Members from British High Commission, Joy Mining Machinery Ltd., Alstom Automation Ltd., Clean Coal Technical Directorate and from various other fields.

Shri G.B Mukherji, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal welcomed British delegates. His Excellency Sir David Gore Booth, British High Commissioner to India responded from UK side.

Shri S.S. Barnala, Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs, Fertilizers and Chemicals reiterated India's concern over giving patent for Basmati rice to an American company. Addressing the International Grains Council Conference `98 inaugurated at London today, the minister said that giving patent to the `novel' basmati variety developed by Rice Tec which could be grown in America was a classic case of economic hijack. Since India offered a unique diversity and richness in food products, there is virtually a world wide scrample to patent anything that is part of the Indian food chain, the minister said and urged the IGC members to give serious thoughts to its implications.

Shri Barnala said that India had a clear blue print for the food economy in the form of a National Agenda of Governance which sought to ensure food security for all, create a hunger free India and to improve the Public Distribution System so as to serve the poorest of the poor in rural areas. The Government, he said was determined to increase foodgrain production in line with the National Agenda; which would require massive investment in food sector. India will also resort to import of wheat to tide over temporary shortages if any,and hence would be an active player in the international grain market as an importer or exporter. Government of India has also given thrust to attempts to improve the system of trade and economic cooperation through expanded global system on trade in the National Agenda for Governance, Shri Barnala said.

Referring to world food trade, the minister said that major changes were likely to be seen in the markets since some countries had decided to lift trade barriers and pursue the path of liberalisation. Increased demand for imports due to opening up of markets together with reduction in domestic production incentives might push up the world price of foodgrains especially rice, the minister said. He also invited appropriate international cooperation in modernising foodgrains handling system in India to minimise product loss.