Kochi, Feb 22 (Reporter) The Germany's Consul General has expressed its keenness to deepen cooperation with Kerala in diverse fields, describing the Southern state as an attractive destination for global investments. Speaking at a 'Country Session' on Germany at the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit in Kochi, Achim Burkart, Germany's Consul General for Karnataka and Kerala, said Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage. It has the highest literacy rate in India and skilled manpower. There is no reason why Kerala can't become a dynamic hub for global investments, he added. The German diplomat said the links between Germany and Kerala go back to centuries. A lot of tourists from Germany visit Kerala every year, he noted. From tourism to technology, the Southern state has a lot to offer to prospective investors, he said. He said the state has four major airports, and one more is expected to come up soon. It also has two major ports linking the world with India. Burkart observed that Kerala is also moving fast in critical areas like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Renewable Energy. He said the German companies are already involved in collaborations with businesses in Kerala in several areas, including ship-building. Germany is also focusing on training the youth from Kerala so as to improve their employability, he added. The German official said Germany has one of the most liberal immigration policies on the planet and the youth from Kerala must also take advantage. 'We are always happy to employ young talent from Kerala,' he added. Burkart expressed confidence that the economic cooperation between Germany and Kerala will deepen further in the years to come. At another session on Australia, Silai Zaki, the Consul General of Australia in Chennai, said her country is keen to explore opportunities in Kerala's renewable energy, food processing, agricultural technology, space, water management, skill development and innovation sectors. She said the economic cooperation between Australia and Kerala has been increasing by leaps and bounds and there is scope for enhancing it further. Zaki also invited businesses from Kerala to explore the Australian market...////...