IMPHAL, November 22: Both Myanmar and Manipur showed their common feelings on nurturing good relationship during the Manipur- Myanmar Business Conclave organized by Department of Commerce and Industries at Classic Hotel today.
During the conclave, the Minister of Agriculture of Myanmar, Saw Myint Oo; MLA Tamu, U Thangliana; MLA Shagaing, U Myint Oo; secretary, Tamu Kalay borders Trade and Commerce, U Ayeko; Minister of Commerce and Industries of Manipur, Govindas Konthoujam; principal secretary of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur, O Nabakishore Singh attended the function.
Speaking at the function, Nabakishore said that close ties between Myanmar and Manipur have been existent for many years and the state plans to take up measures for its development.
He continued that the response of the Myanmar government is very good and the central government is also playing a great role for the development of both the countries, and added that as a result of the work taken up by both the governments better connectivity between Myanmar and Manipur can be accomplished by 2016. The Asian Bank is doing a survey for the improvement of the road, he added.
The proposal for a regular and a cargo flights for betterment of Myanmar and Manipur has been put up before the Airport Authority of India for its recommendation, thus the state will become a hub for trading and tourism with South East Asia, he said.
He continued that the state government will render all the possible assistances to all the entrepreneurs of the state as well as those from Myanmar for growth in affairs related to trade.
Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that his department will hold an exhibition for fostering strong relationship with Shagaing and Mandalay as done in previous years. He said bus service between Myanmar and Manipur will commence shortly.
He continued that the law and order situation will be conducive when there is development of the economy. He added that economic freedom among the countries should be maintained, without any restraints and in observance of the rules and regulations of both countries.
He elaborated that the Chief Minister of the State Okram Ibobi Singh had written a letter to the Chief Minister of Shagaing for the approval of allocating timber and gems for the betterment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the process is in pipeline.
The mood to ensure the flourishing of the import-export relations between the two countries is on the process, he said and continued that Indian entrepreneurs should set up their business at special economic zones of Myanmar and other neighbouring countries. The air and road routes connecting the two countries should also be improved, he said adding that it will lead to improvement in economic conditions and better business relationship.