The Hindu Business Line : South Australia, TN sign sister-State agreement

TOP PARLEYS: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi, with the South Australian Premier, Mr Mike Rann, before the signing of an MoU relating to trade and investment, in Chennai on Monday. — V. Ganesan

Chennai , Oct 30

South Australia is interested in promoting joint ventures with Tamil Nadu in various sectors including the mining and automotive industries, according to Mr Mike Rann, South Australia's Premier.

Speaking to presspersons after a sister-State agreement between Tamil Nadu and South Australia was signed, Mr Rann said that South Australia is sixth among the 64 mining jurisdictions in the world. It has over 40 per cent of the global uranium resources.

Mr Rann, who is leading the first trade mission to India by the State Chapter of Australia India Business Council, said that academic collaboration holds strong potential.

South Australia's capital Adelaide is considered the `University city of Australia' and is interested in inviting students from Tamil Nadu for studies.

A scholarship is also being planned. Adelaide currently has over 20,000 overseas students.

The agreement marks the start of a stronger relationship between the two partners with exchanges in tourism and education.

South Australia has a strong economy and unemployment is at its lowest. It is interested in joint ventures with India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Chennai, he said.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Mr L.K. Tripathy, said that the Centre has cleared the agreement, which envisages collaboration in manufacturing, academics, tourism, sports and entertainment.

Mining presents strong potential as South Australia has rich deposits of uranium, copper, nickel and gold.

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