Mangalore: Union Minister For Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moily was felicitated  on behalf of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a function held at the Chamber meeting hall on December 7, Friday.

Responding to the felicitation conferred on him, Moily urged people to have a pro-active approach to development. He said steps would be taken to expedite the Kochi and Bangalore to Mangalore gas pipeline project. He also said that the Centre has plans to reduce the oil imports of the nation by 50 per cent by 2016-17.

On the opposition to FDI, he said though the people are opposing it now, they will gradually approve it as it would benefit the public as well as the farmers.

KCCI Chairman Mohammad Ameen presented a memorandum to the minister and urged fulfillment of the demands. Former KCCI presidents Kumble Narasimha Prabhu,  Capt John Menezes, Latha Kini and others were present.