GUWAHATI: Industries and Commerce and Act East Affairs Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary inaugurated the ‘ASEAN Section’ on Friday during the ongoing 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival at Sankardev Kalakshetra. Cambodian film In the Life of Music directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal was screened at the beginning of the ASEAN Section of the festival today.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Patowary said that ‘India and ASEAN have a common history of socio-economic affinity and films and cultural exchanges are another medium to strengthen the bond.’
The Minister stated that connectivity in the form of road, rail, water, air and I-way are crucial for development. The Minister referred to various government schemes and initiatives in strengthening India’s relation and cooperation with neighbouring countries. He elaborated that schemes like four-laning of national highways, new terminal of Guwahati airport, air connectivity of Gwahati with six capitals of ASEAN, access to Chittagong port etc. will boost trade and commerce and accelerate all round development of the region.
The Act East Policy Affairs Minister also referred to the ambitious trilateral highway project connecting the North-East Region with Myanmar and ASEAN countries.
Myanmar Ambassador to India, Moe Kyaw Aung, stressed on cooperation in sectors like tourism, trade and commerce. He also advocated for people to people contact and cultural exchange programmes for enhancing the relations among ASEAN countries.
Pabitra Margherita, Chairman, Jyoti-Chitraban (Film Studio) Society and the cast and crew members of the movie In the Life of Music were also present on the occasion.
