Monday, October 10 2005 16:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Western Australia, rich in mineral resources like LNG, could work with Tamil Nadu in developing the LNG terminal at suburban Ennore port for supply of gas for power generation and industrial use, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said today (Oct 10, 2005).

Both could also work in tapping underground lignite to produce gas, she told a nine-member high-level team headed by Western Australian Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, which called on her at the Secretariat here.

The management of water resources could be another area of collaboration for mutual benefit between the two, she said.

Giving details, an official press release said that the visiting delegation was impressed by the history and culture of the state, its economic growth and the best available infrastructure.

'There is great potential for mutual cooperation between the Governments in the field of agriculture, education, IT, tourism, mining and minerals, bio-technology and management of water resource, the delegation pointed out.

Extending a warm welcome to the delegation, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that Tamil Nadu and Australia were getting closer with frequent interactions between the two states. She was glad that the two-way trade between India and Australia was increasing at the rate of over 20 per cent in the last few years.