TN signs sister-state agreement with South Australia

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) South Australia and Tamil Nadu today signed a sister-state agreement in recognition of the two states closely aligned interests and trade potential.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann and Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary L K Tripathy signed the agreement in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence here.

Mr Rann said South Australia and Tamil Nadu would work together in varied sectors like education, industry, trade, tourism and sport for mutual economic and cultural benefits.

The Premier, a regular visitor to India, was leading the first trade mission to the country organised by the State Chapter of the Australia India Business Council aiming to create, develop and strengthen relationships in a market increasingly important to South Australia.

Mr Rann said Tamil Nadu, with its population of well over 60 million, provided South Australia with excellent trade and investment opportunities, particularly with its strengths in the automotive sector, minerals and Information Technology.

Stating that the close ties between the Indian and South Australian people were reflected in their shared passion for cricket, he said South Australia's on-screen links with India were continuing with feature films shot in locations around south Australia.

He said Indian actess Priyanka Chopra had expressed her admiration of the South Australian landscape during the filming of India's first science-fiction movie 'Love Story 2050' in Adelaide.

UNI AKN VV CS RN1527