The Hindu Business Line : Penang pushes for direct service from Chennai

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Chennai March 6 The Government of Penang is in talks with two Indian airlines, asking them to operate direct flights between Chennai and Penang. This was disclosed here today by the Chief Minister of Penang, Dr Koh Tsu Koon, at a press conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry. (Penang is a state of Malaysia.)

As of now, flights from Chennai reach Penang via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) offices would soon be set up in Chennai and Bangalore, he said.

Dr Koon said that Penang Development Corporation, Malaysia, and its industrial promotion arm `Invest Penang' were keen to develop a `smart' partnership with Tamil Nadu. He said he wanted to concretise the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) signed by the Governments of India and Malaysia last year.

"We want to partner with India in niche technology areas that will aid mass production, at the same propelling our industry to the next level of growth," Dr Koh said. Penang wants to partner with India in areas like biotechnology and bio-pharmaceuticals, Dr Koh said.

Dr Koh and a 35-strong delegation from Penang including ministers in charge of local governance, health and welfare visited few Chennai-based biotechnology companies yesterday and would be visiting the TICEL Bio Park later today.

Dr Koh also feels Penang and Tamil Nadu could jointly invest in projects in the iron and steel and food processing sectors.

Mr Gopal Srinivasan, Member, Regional Council, Confederation of Indian Industry - Southern Region and Director, TVS Electronics Ltd, said Malaysia could leverage India's strengths in areas like auto components, textiles, agriculture and food processing sectors.