Question : VISIT OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES



(a) the countries visited by him during the last two years and the agreements signed during these visits; and

(b) the expenditure incurred on these foreign tours and the details of the benefits accrued to the country from these visits?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI MANOHAR JOSHI)

(a) & (b): During the last two years, visits were undertaken to China (28.5.2000 to 3.6.2000); Mauritius (26.4.2001 to 3.5.2001) and USA & Canada (20.6.2001 to 2.7.2001). No agreement was signed during these visits. Expenditure of Rs.5,42,716/- was incurred on these visits.

The visit to China was with the Hon`ble President of India. The visit to Mauritius enhanced bilateral relations besides strengthening bonds of kinship between India & Mauritius, in the field of Information & Technology and other concerned business sectors. A delegation of industrialists & software professionals/entrepreneurs from the Indo-Canadian Business Council was taken to Canada. Discussions were held with General Motors and Ford Motor Companies at Detroit, USA. Discussions were also held on various issues raised by the People from the Indian rigin/NRIs etc. in Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary.