Thaindian News

Jaipur, Jan 7 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Saturday met Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Prasad Bissesar, the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharati Divas, being held here Jan 7-9.

During the discussion at Hotel Rambagh Palace, Bissesar informed Gehlot that oil and natural gas sector plays a vital role in the economy of the Caribbean country.

“Oil and natural gas contributes about 40 percent to the country’s GDP,” she said adding that Rajasthan can take advantage of the long experience of Trinidad and Tobago in the field.

Welcoming Bissesar to Jaipur, Gehlot said the issue of cooperation in this field can be considered according to the policies and regulations of the union government.

Bissesar was much impressed by the beauty of Jaipur, and praised it highly to Gehlot. She also invited him to visit Trinidad and Tobago.

The prime minister informed Gehlot that members of her high level team were visiting the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur and Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) at Jodhpur.

During the discussion, the energy minister of Trinidad and Tobago showed interest in solar energy sector.

Gehlot said there are immense possibilities for generation of solar power in the state. Low cost, flat, undeveloped land, large desert of the state and high solar radiation are ideal for solar generation power, he said.

The solar energy policy of Rajasthan provides allotment of government land to investors setting up solar power projects in the state at the concessional rate of 10 percent from the district level committee (DLC) rate, he said. Besides this, the policy also provides exemption from payment on electricity duty for captive use, he added.

Gehlot said due to the initiatives taken by the state government for setting up solar power plants, 722 reputed companies have registered in Rajasthan for setting up solar power projects of 16,900 MW capacity.

Six ministers from Trinidad and Tobago accompanying Bissesar were also present during the interaction.