Kolkata, Dec 15 (IANS): The renewed auction of coal blocks slated next year and the focus on 'Make in India' campaign have opened up new avenues for foreign mining companies, and Polish firms are scouting for local partners for technology and knowledge collaboration as well as on the equipment front.
"We are already in talks with some companies, including the Kolkata-headquartered Coal India Ltd," Polish embassy's economic counsellor Tomasz Wisniewski said on the sidelines of an event organised by CII here Monday.
Wisniewski is leading a delegation of eight mining companies from Poland to Kolkata who are exploring JV opportunities in the country. The delegation is looking for government owned as well as privately held firms for possible investment opportunities in the mining sector.
"We are also working on the possibilities of entering into tie-ups with reputed Indian companies. We are really interested in finding out specific projects," he added.
As opportunities for the private sector in the mining segment looks bright, JSW S.A.'s vice chairman Jerzy Borecki said: "We have full knowledge of the Indian market and its needs. Which is why we are here."
The Polish companies are interested in assisting the coal producing sector both in the greenfield mining as well as backfilling of the existing underground mines.
The cumulative FDI inflows from Poland ranking 24th among foreign investment in India is in tune of $614.68 million for the period April 2000 to June 2014. Major investing companies from Poland include Torunskie Zak ady Materia,ow Opatrunkowych (TZMO) with Bella India in Dindigul (hygiene products) and Can-Pack Poland in Aurangabad (metal packaging).
Poland is already India's largest trading partner in central Europe and India's private sector considers Poland an investment destination. The two countries have signed several important agreements such as Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments, Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation, and agreements on cooperation in science and technology, defence and culture.