NEW DELHI- Plans are under way for Malaysia to bid for a multi-billion-dollar monorail transport system in India's capital city.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said at a press conference here yesterday that an initial meeting will be held today with the Industry Minister of India and the New Delhi based on the highway concession model practiced in Malaysia.
Samy Vellu said in the same way that the North South Expressway encouraged more foreign investment into Malaysia, the proposed inter-city superhighways can promote development within a shorter period of time catering for greater investment opportunities focused at a larger geographical area.
"We are optimistic that both venture would take off next year as the Indian government has acknowledges Malaysia's proven track record in both these areas," he added.
Samy Vellu said several negotiations are also being held at the ministerial lever for the production of pre-fabricated steel products for India?s construction industry, which will see input and expertise coming from Malaysia construction players. The minister is leading a 70-member team of politicians, social activists and business professionals to the two-day 6th pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2008.
Over 1,5000 delegated from 43 countries are attending this year's annual meeting of Indian diaspora , which Samy Vellu said represents a positive platform for more than 26 million Indias living outside India to exchange ideas, experiences and opportunities for economic, social and knowledge based development.
Themed "engaging the Diaspora :The Way Forward," the event will focus on the development of rular economies and improvements on education, health, youth and investment.
"PBD will project these social issues and enable overseas Indians to express their ideas and ways of possible participation" Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said when launching event.
At the event, Manmohan also launched the Overseas Worker Resource centre WRC), a helpline or emigrant workers, and announced measure for the welfare of Non- Resident Indians. Key PBD initiatives include the Marketplace by 17 Indians states and 50 private exhibitors.
The events is organized by the Ministry Overseas India Affairs in partnership with the Confederation of India Industry and the Delhi government.