Penang and the European Union is set to forge greater ties in the area of science and technology development.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the EU and Penang can cooperate, not only in terms of arts and culture, but also in the fields of science and technology.

Lim said this while welcoming the new EU ambassador, Luc Vandebon, to Penang. He is on his first official trip here.

"We had a very interesting discussion. We shared about the importance, not just about understanding the EU but in people to people cooperation," Lim said at a press conference.

"We wish to cooperate in new fields, not just in arts and culture, but in science, technology and botanics," he added, referring to Penang's Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Southeast Asia.

"These efforts can help expand ideas and discoveries and lead to future developments in the area of trade and commerce between the two (EU and Penang," Lim stressed.

International partnerships

Meanwhile, Vandebon said the EU was very interested in cooperating with Malaysia in general, and Penang, in particular.

He added that there were opportunities to expand the already vibrant fields of science and technology and scientific development.

"The EU is constantly looking for international partnerships. We have a keen interest in Penang and our delegation in Kuala Lumpur will give whatever support we can to enhance cooperation," he stressed.

Vandebon said his itinerary includes a visit to InvestPenang - the state's investment arm, and a briefing on science and technology in higher education with local institutions.

He added there was also the European Film Festival that opens in George Town tomorrow, saying more films from the EU countries would be featured this year, compared to 2011.