'India, would be the best investment option for Taiwan, particularly Tamilnadu with its booming trade, commerce and technology,which would be ideal for Taiwan business, ' observed Kauo-Hwa Sun, Senior Adviser to the Taiwanese parliament.

The Taiwanese delegates from the leading opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) were present at a meeting hosted by the South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry here yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Chi Su, legislator from Taiwan, said, 'cultural exchanges between the two nations would help in enhancing bilateral trade ties. This, he said would go a long way in having closer relationship.

However, he expressed concern about several issues that would affect the bilateral trade.

The delegates were of the view that India should promote tourism and student exchange programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaktikanda Das, Secretary to Government, Industries department, Tamilnadu government said , ' the State offers hassle-free business environment, quality infrastructure , skilled manpower and an investor-friendly government that makes Tamilnadu the most preferred offshore destination'.

Later addressing a few concerns of the Taiwanese delegation with regard to investing in Tamilnadu, Shaktikanta Das said the taxation and rate structure would become static after implementation of VAT by next year .

He also added that the State government is planning to execute various projects like elevated corridor project and metro rail project creating satellite towns and special task force to address the infrastructural constrictions in Chennai.

Further highlighting the investment oppportunites and SEZ policies in various sectors like electronic and telecom hardware and software, he said 'Tamilnadu government is discussing with Taiwanese manufacturing firms that wants to invest here'. 'A Tamilnadu delegation is to soon visit Taiwan' Das added.

R Arun, chairman, Technology Committee, SICCI,said ' India's current share of imports from Taiwan is around 0.5 per cent and added that there is vast scope for improvement. The small and medium enterprises of the two countries should establish links in training, besides technical collaboration.

Earlier S Ramanathan, president, SICCI welcoming the establishment of a Taiwan Trade Centre in Chennai said that they would extend full support in the mutual cooperation.