Australia keen to invest in Assam

GUWAHATI, May 26? The Australian Ambassador to India, Dr Herbert Traxl, who made a two-day tour of the city along with this wife noted Kathak dancer Sharana Narayan on June 25 and 26, has expressed keen interest to explore investment opportunities in the State?s tourism sector. Sri Traxl who was here to have a first-hand knowledge on the immense tourism potential of the state, had discussions with the State Tourism Commissioner, Smt Emily Choudhury, in this regard. It may be mentioned that Austria is renowned for its expertise in ropeways and ice-skiing, and tourism in the State in particular and the North-east in general can get a big boost with Austrian participation. During their stay in the city, the couple visited the Kamakhya temple, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra and Madan Kamdev which is known for its archaeological ruins of the 10th and 12th century AD. They also enjoyed a one-hour cruise on the Brahmaputra on board the Jolporee. They also witnessed a cultural function at the Kalakshetra which highlighted the unique cultural heritage of the State and the North-east Assam Tourism played the host to the couple during their stay here. Dr Herbert Traxl was earlier Ambassador to Ethiopia in 1983 and also to Iran in 1988. He took over his Indian assignment in 1998.