Guwahati: The central government is promoting the northeast as a trading hub and a bridge to Southeast Asia.
To achieve this objective it is strengthening bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours. The recent visit of Myanmar President Thein Sein to India is a step in this direction.
The two countries have decided to extend mutual co-operation in the field of energy, capacity building, trade, agriculture, pharmaceutical and infrastructure development.
The work on the Kaladan multi-modal transport corridor connecting Myanmar with Mizoram is already under progress.
“Myanmar is most important for trade and security reasons. The improvement of the relations with Myanmar will help us,” said Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam. Another high-level delegation from Vietnam led by President Teoung Tan Sang visited India to strengthen trade and defence ties between the two countries.
India is a signatory to the ASEAN free trade agreement which presents a big business opportunity for the northeast.
Over the years centre has taken several initiatives to promote trade, organize fairs, open border haats and land custom stations in the region. (ANI)
