The United Kingdom government is keen on partnering with the Indian Government and also with the two new States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the areas of energy with a focus on renewable energy.
UK’s Secretary of State for Climate Change and Energy Edward Davey, who was in the city on Wednesday to call on the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, exuded confidence that UK and India could mutually work on several areas of development.
“We have met the AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and are in the process of calling on Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao as Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is busy with by-polls,” Mr. Davey remarked during an interaction with select journalists here.
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At an interaction with Mr. Naidu, the British Secretary of State discussed UK partnership with Andhra Pradesh in energy, infrastructure, urban development and education sectors. Mr. Davey welcomed the AP government’s efforts to promote investment in the energy sector and hoped that the UK would be a partner of choice for future initiatives.
While meeting journalists, Mr. Davey said he would like to listen to the requirements of the AP and Telangana government before giving any firm commitment. Stating that it was his second visit to India in the last two months, Mr. Davey, a Liberal Democrat MP, said there was scope for investments in areas of energy. The UK Secretary of State said he was impressed by the developments in Gujarat and saw replication of certain experiments in other parts of the country.
During a hectic schedule in the city, Mr. Davey interacted with students at an event hosted by the British Council to showcase the benefits of studying in the UK. Later in the day, he launched HSBC’s Equitable Water and Sanitation Programme, a CSR initiative, together with Mr. Rama Rao highlighting an example of British business’ strong commitment towards water and energy conservation, taking a lead from the government.
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Mr. Davey also participated in a panel discussion, organised by the Indian School of Business (ISB), on UK experience of financing renewable energy projects, from the perspective of being the largest investor in India’s energy sector.
The British dignitary said: “I am pleased to be in Hyderabad, which is one of India’s most exciting and dynamic cities with a very distinct culture. During my earlier visit last month, I saw for myself – and heard also – about some of the work Indian States are doing to address climate change and energy issues. I am impressed by the level of private sector investment in this area. There are some exciting and important opportunities for us to work together in tackling climate change and in improving energy and water security.”