The India-Myanmar conference on ‘Connecting India’s Northeast with northwest region of Myanmar: Roadmap for all-round Prosperity’ began in Manipur capital Imphal on Tuesday.
The inaugural function of the conference was attended by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, chief minister Dr Aung Moe Nyo of Magway Region of Myanmar, chief secretary Dr J Suresh Babu of Manipur and director Capt Alok Bansel of India Foundation.
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Speaking on the occasion, Manipur chief ninster N Biren said that India’s Act East Policy is a reflection to deepen ties with the ASEAN region, and more importantly with Myanmar. There has been a renewed effort to ensure the early completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and to extend the same to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, he said.
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Highlighting that the Trans Asian Railway Link has immense potential to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people, Biren said a study has been done on possibility of rail connectivity with Myanmar.He said formalities for starting the Mandalay-Imphal Bus service are at its final stages stressing that feasibility survey was made to extend the rail line from Imphal up to Moreh.
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In his speech, chief minister Dr Aung Moe Nyo of Magway Region, Myanmar emphasized that Manipur has huge potential in the areas like of medical tourism. Narrating the good relationship and friendly ties between India and Myanmar, he also stressed on the importance of strengthening the relationship between the countries in future.
Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung of Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Delhi, Consul General of India Mandalay Nandan Singh Bhaisora, Chairman Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan of Cease Fire Monitoring Group, Nagaland, top officers of Assam Rifles, delegates from Myanmar and India besides Senior Officials from Government of Manipur, Experts from Think Tank and Academics attended the conference.
Members of the ruling National League for Democracy and opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party are also attending the conference. The Myanmar business delegationinclude Chairman Hla Maung of Myanmar- India Border Trade Chamber of Commerce, Operation Manager Min Khant Ko of Shwe Mandalar Express Co Ltd, KBZ Group, Editor-in-Chief Soe Myint of Mizzima Media etc.
Myanmar delegation will visit Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district on Wednesday before they leave for Indo-Myanmar border on June 13.