Would like to help in 'Ganga project': Jay Weatherill

NEW DELHI: South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill today expressed keenness to share his state's expertise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project of cleaning up river Ganga. Weatherill, who is in the country on a promotional visit, said he would like to extend any sort of help that the Indian government needed for a project that is "very close to the Indian PM's heart".

"South Australia has proper resources and specialisation in water treatment and I would like to offer our services to the Indian government for cleaning up of river Ganga. I heard his speech and know that it is a project very dear to his heart," Weatherill said at an event here.

During his visit, the South Australian Premier is looking at potential Indian investments in his state which will make the Indo-Australia relationship even stronger and "mutually beneficial".

"We would want to use the 2015 (Cricket) World Cup as an opportunity to invite potential investors to South Australia. There are three markets, where we would want to tap potential investors.

"Firstly, the food and wine industry, secondly, the state is rich in mineral resources like copper, iron ore. The third industry which is growing is the health care system which is top grade in South Australia," Weatherill said.

Weatherill said that South Australia's higher education system is top notch and over the years has "attracted a lot of Indian students".