Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, while mooting out a strong partnership with Malaysia urged a business delegation of Southeast Asian countries to invest in sectors such as tea, hydrocarbons, and infrastructure.

Highlightingthe strengths and opportunities of the state, the Minister also asked thedelegation to invest in transportation, food processing, bamboo, agar and skilldevelopment.

While interacting with a delegation of the Malaysia India Business Council (MIBC) on Wednesday, Patowary said that it is a win-win opportunity for both the countries and that if they work together, they can grow together.

Patowaryfurther stated that apart from business to business meets, the heart to heartconnection has also been shared which will go a long way in building a strongpartnership with Malaysia.

He alsounderlined the need to promote tourism, hotel industry and education sectorswhich will be mutually beneficial.

Assuring full support to the team, the minister said, "You will not face red-tapism but red-carpet welcome in all your dealings with state agencies" adding that the Centre plans to have direct flights from Guwahati to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Yangon, Hanoi, and Kathmandu.

The minister also explained to the MIBC team the steps taken to restore the road links with expressways to ASEAN countries with the Asian Trilateral Highway establishing direct linkage up to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Singapore.

Theagreement between India and Bangladesh allowing the use of the neighbouringcountry's Chittagong and Mongla ports for the vessels of the northeasternregion will open up vistas of closer trade with ASEAN, Patowary said.MIBC president Tan Sri Ir Kuna Sittampalams saidthat Malaysia is very keen to explore the "immense" potential ofAssam.