IMPHAL, March 27: A historic trade conference between India, Myanmar and Thailand was held on March 26 at Tamu, Myanmar, with the motive to build good trade relation between the three nations.
Speaking during the conference, Tharadol Thongruang, in charge of Thai-Myanmar Border Trade, Minister of Commerce, member of Subcommittee on Regional Linkage and special Economic Zone Thai Parliament, said that the meeting point of India’s Look East Policy and Look West policy of Thailand is at Myanmar.
He further expressed his optimism that a good trade relation can be built between Thailand, Myanmar and India’s North Eastern region as is visible from the fact of the co-related historical custom, tradition and culture share by the region between the two countries adding he further expressed his desire Myanmar to take the vital role in building it.
The conference was organized by the Union of Myanmar Border Trade, Chamber of Commerce (UMBTCC), Tamu and Myanmar Authority.
The meet on behalf of Myanmar was represented by UMBTCC, vice president, U Min Swe and U San Lui, Director, Myanmar Border Trade and other officials while the EXIM an apex body of importer and exporter, Manipur, represented Manipur, India.
Speaking during the meet the OSD, EXIM, Government of Manipur, Dwijamani stated that the conference was an imperative gathering for building up good a better relation between the two nations having similar culture, tradition etc.
Dwijamani further maintained besides the conference road transports and also the Sepak Takraw (sports originated from Thailand) can also be a factor for further enhancing the relation.
The Myanmar delegation also assured possible co-operation to both India, Thailand in enhancing the relation between the three nations and also in the matter of adding exchangeable items.
A 12 member delegation led by Tharadol Thongruang, had been camping in Imphal since for three days from March 25. During their stay the team met the Chief Minister of Manipur, Works minister and other relevant organizations and interacted over the matter of road, transports and existing trade between Myanmar and India.
The Indo-Myanmar border trade officially came into existent since April 12, 1995 with only 22 exchangeable items. Later the exchangeable items increase to 40 till date. The Indian Government has been initiating to establish an integrated check post at Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh, Chandel District of Manipur.