Talking to presspersons at the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery on Thursday, he said that this was necessary for the economic development of the country.

Regarding the controversy over mining of mineral sand, he said that what ought to be stopped was export of raw mineral resources. Resources should be utilised for manufacturing products, which should then be exported. ``This way, we would be able to generate employment and earn income,'' he added.

According to him, it is for the Government to decide whether the public sector or the private sector should be allowed to mine mineral sand. Though he preferred the public sector, in case of its inability the private sector should be permitted to do mining.

He said that attempts were being made by some quarters to whip up public protest against mineral sand mining. Awareness should be created among the people regarding this. However, efforts should be made to ensure that there are no environmental hazards, he added.