Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said that his foreign visits are aimed at bringing in more investments to the State.

Palaniswami began his two weeks tour till 10 September to various countries including America, Dubai and England this morning.

Speaking to mediapersons at the Chennai airport before his departure, he said, “I am not a business man but a normal farmer. I am embarking on this trip for the benefit of the people.”

All roads leading to the airport were blocked leading to traffic jam as party cadres were present at the airport to send off Palaniswami.

He also wanted to know why DMK president M K Stalin, who frequently undertakes foreign trips, is doing so. This was his reply to Stalin, who alleged hidden agenda behind Palaniswami’s trip.

An official release here on Monday said Palaniswami, heading a team of Ministers and officials, will begin his foreign visits from London and from there would visit United States and Dubai. During his visit, he would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kings College Hospital, London to set up its branch in the Sate.

He would also meet several investors including Ashok Leyland’s Hinduja at an event, besides visiting wind mill and solar power facilities to study the feasibility of implementing in the State on easy transportation of power to the grid. He is also scheduled to meet British MPs during his visit.

From UK, Palaniswami would reach New York 2 September where he would interact with the Tamil diaspora and entrepreneurs and also the officials of Ford Motor Company, Caterpillar Inc., San Francisco-based Bloom Energy.

During his return to India, he would visit Dubai 8 and 9 September where he would address a meeting of entrepreneurs to be organised by the Indian Consulate and Business Leaders Forum, as a special guest. He would return to Chennai 10 September.