Indian firms keen to invest in Kenya, Uganda

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Inc seems to be high on East African countries as an investment destination if the plans by corporate biggies such as Reliance Industries, the Adani Group and GSPC to invest in countries like Kenya and Uganda is anything to go by.

'We held discussion with Kenyan government for laying down a 100 km pipeline project in the country. The government has also sought assistance from Gujarat to replace 100 km long railway track which is over 100 years old now,' said Parimal Nathwani, Group President, RIL.

The pipeline will be laid starting from a location in North Kenya.

Adani Group is looking at developing Lamur port in Kenya, said the group chairman, Gautam Adani. Ashima Group is meanwhile planning cotton farming in 20,000 hectares area in Uganda.

Uganda and Kenya have shown interest as well in forming JVs in agro process units, mining, power projects and gems and jewellery. GSPC is in talks with the two countries for refinery projects and E&P activities.

The Kenyan government is looking at replicating Gujarat's PPP model for infrastructure projects. A group of Gujarati businessmen who have settled in Uganda are planning to set up a SEZ in Gujarat called Uganda Industrial Development Park.

Another businessman is aiming to set up a wheat processing unit for bakery near Ahmedabad for an investment of about Rs 100 crore. A few companies have also shown interest for tourism projects in Gujarat.