Oommen Chandy, chief minister of Kerala, held talks with Shaikh Mohammed Rafik, chairman of Gammon Group, in Dubai Sunday on prospects of expanding cooperation.

Chandy commended Gammon’s efforts under the leadership of Rafik to promote business relations between India and Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, and create more employment opportunities for Indians.

The chief minister extended his government’s support for Gammon’s endeavors to expand Indo-Gulf business relations. Gammon Group is developing a new industrial city in the southern Saudi region of Jazan.

Prominent Indian businessman B. R. Shetty has signed an agreement with Prince Turki bin Mohamed bin Nasser, in charge of Jazan Industrial City and Shaikh Rafik to establish a pharmaceutical plant in the city.

A number of international companies, including Shenhua Group, Kalliyath Steel, Trina Solar and China Communications Construction Company, have agreed to invest in the city, which is expected to attract investment projects worth SR75 billion and create about 100,000 jobs.

Prince Turki also signed an agreement with Noor Mohammed Noorisha, managing director of Kalliyath Group, to set up a $200 million steel plant in the city.

“The new industrial city will spur the economic growth of Jazan and bring about a face-lift for the region,” said Rafik, who is spearheading the campaign to develop the city, which will have various industries required by the Kingdom.