In a follow-up to the recently held "Advantage Assam" Global Investment Summit, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday held a meeting with Air Asia officials and discussed the detailed modalities of starting direct flights between Guwahati and Asean countries.In a meeting held here with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Asia Amar Abrol, the Chief Minister discussed Air Asia's plan of making Guwahati its principal hub for the company's South East Asia operations.The CEO submitted a proposal to Sonowal on Air Asia's expansion plan in Guwahati and to connect the city through frequent direct flights with Chennai, Hyderabad, Vizag, Bagdogra etc., besides the Asean countries.Sonowal said the state government is working very seriously to make Guwahati the nerve centre of the central government's Act East Policy and therefore wants to start direct flights with Asean and other countries.He also informed the Air Asia CEO that his government, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, is in constant touch with Asean countries to persuade them to set up their consulate offices in Guwahati.He also said that the construction work of the new terminal building of Loka Priya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is going on in full swing and very shortly the airport will be transformed into an integrated airport with state-of-the-art facilities for the passengers.Sonowal assured to provide all government help to Air Asia and requested the company to materialise international flight services before the festive occasion of Rongali Bihu this year.