India is keen to increase economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in a number of key areas, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said. "One is the energy sector. We are also keen to expand exports of pharmaceutical, marine and agricultural products," he told Arab News prior to leaving for Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit from tomorrow. There are prospects of Indian banking sector gaining a foothold in Saudi Arabia. Chidambaram said: "State Bank of India wishes to open a branch in Jeddah." "We are keen to increase cooperation in the field of education and culture also," he added. --MORE 1253 Local Time 0953 GMT
