Abu Dhabi: President A P J Abdul Kalam on October 19 drove home the point that India should bid for major fertiliser and other gas-based projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to counter China's growing economic presence in the region.

Kalam, in his meeting with the heads of Indian missions in the Gulf countries, emphasised on the need to go for big projects like Oman fertiliser factory based on urea and gas.

It was felt that this was essential in view of the growing Chinese presence in the region and to counter this competition, India should vie for securing major projects in the region, Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie told reporters.

Shourie was briefing on what transpired at the President's interaction with the top Indian diplomats from Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Bahrain.

It was felt that India, with its expertise in information technology, should step up collaboration in this sector and Kalam's visit is expected to give a boost in this direction, Shourie said.

Asked whether any companies from UAE were bidding for the oil companies in India like some Saudi companies, he said UAE is closely observing what is going on in oil companies in India while Saudi and Kuwaiti companies had evinced interest in Indian oil companies.

PTI