Chennai, Mar 7 (UNI) Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia, has called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and requested him to take steps for starting a direct flight service between Chennai and Penang.

Dr Koon, who held detailed discussions with Mr Karunanidhi yesterday on improving trade between the state and Penang, suggested a direct flight service would help develop the trade and tourism development.

He said such service would be widely welcomed by people of Indian origin living in Penang and Malaysia in large numbers and give them an opportunity to frequently visit Tamil Nadu.

Describing Mr Karunanidhi as elder statesman, Dr Koon said he was very happy to meet him and said his meeting with the veteran leader was extremely fruitful.

He said Tamil Nadu and Penang had long time cultural tie ups and trade relations and it was time to further strengthen the ties and develop the relations.

Pointing out that Information Technology sector was growing in leaps and bounds, he said he had discussed with Mr Karunanidhi as how Tamil Nadu and Penang could exploit the growth.

They also discussed about the investment potentials in trade and industry, he added.

UNI