The Malaysian state of Melaka has expressed its interest to collaborate with India [ Images ] in the information communication technology and biotechnology sectors.

"Malaysian companies have been active in investing in India, particularly in infrastructure projects. The cooperation should be extended to other sectors," Mohd. Ali Mohd. Rustam, chief minister of Melaka said at a meeting organised by Confederation of Indian Industry in Chennai.

Acknowledging India's growing prominence in the ICT sector, he said, Melaka was keen to collaborate with India in this area.

The Melaka chief minister, who led a Malaysian delegation at the third India-ASEAN Business Summit in Chennai, said the state wanted more and more skilled IT professionals from India to pursue career opportunities in the state.

Currently, 40 per cent of the IT professionals in Meleka, are from India, he said. India continues to be Malaysia's largest trading partner in South Asia with a total trade amounting close to $2.5 billion, he said.

He also called for close cooperation between Melaka and Tamil Nadu. "Melaka and Tamil Nadu have many similarities," Rustam said, pointing to the flourishing automobile and health care sectors in both the states. "These can be taken advantage of," he said.

Other areas of cooperation could be tourism, education and health care sectors, Rustam said.