Manipur Information Centre
MONYWA(Capital of Sagaing Region, Myanmar), May 28: The Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to Indian investors not to think for India but also for Myanmar so that the two countries could co-exist. He said Imphal Airport would become an international airport in July this year and he proposed for introducing flights between Imphal and Monywa, Imphal and Mandalay, Imphal and Yangon and Imphal and Kalemyo to promote trade, tourism, business and investment. He added that the flights would facilitate movement of people round the year.
Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh was graced as Special Guest of Honour in the opening ceremony of the 2-Day Region Investment and Business Conclave organised by Sagaing Region Government, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI) and Indian Chamber of Commerce at Mya Sandar Hall here. He recalled that Manipur is the gateway of South East Asian countries as mentioned in the Look East Policy.
He also stated that Imphal Airport would become an international airport in July this year and he proposed for introducing flights between Imphal and Monywa, Imphal and
Mandalay, Imphal and Yangon and Imphal and Kalemyo to promote trade, tourism, business and investment. He added that the flights would facilitate movement of people round the year.
Highlighting the importance of Imphal- Mandalay bus service in the promotion of economy, tourism and trade between the countries, he urged the Myanmar authorities to agree the proposed bus service as early as possible.
Indicating that a number of Indian businessmen had come in the Conclave, Manipur Chief Minister suggested that investment could take place in Sagaing Region in Myanmar in different areas like generation of power in hydroelectricity, thermal power plants, agro-industries, setting up of educational institutions and hospitals with the support and cooperation from Mynamar authorities.
He proposed exchanges between Saigaing Region and Manipur in areas like education, culture and sports; and offered education facilities to the students of Sagaing Region for studies in medicine, engineering, higher studies in colleges and university in Manipur. Highlighting that Manipur was the power house of sports in the country, he invited the Myanmarese sportspersons for study at National Sports Academy in Imphal.
Manipur Chief Minister said, “People living on both sides of the border of Myanmar and Manipur have been sharing the goods and essential commodities produced by both countries for a long time. Formal border trade between India and Myanmar started only in the year 1995 through Moreh- Tamu sector after signing an agreement in 1994. Number of items allowed under the border trade has been increased to 62. And normal trade between the two countries though Moreh-Tamu sector is also allowed. However, for various regions like lack of banking facilities and good infrastructure on both sides of the border, normal trade has not started.” He emphasized the need for strengthening the banking network on both sides of the border. Myanmar Economic Bank in Myanmar and United Bank of India which were the designated banks for the trade should have the facility of foreign exchange and opening of Letter of Credit by the traders. It would grow the volume of trade between Manipur and Sagaing Region and help in the growth of economy of both Manipur and Sagaing Region.
He said, “The Government of India is setting up an Integrated Check Post at Moreh for promotion of trade and tourism between India and Myanmar through Moreh- Tamu Sector. It will be ready by 2015.” “Two Bordar Haats between Manipur and Sagaing Region at Behiang and New Somtal in Manipur have been approved. We would like to open two more
Haats at Konkan Thana and Tusom in Ukhrul District of Manipur.” he futher stated.
Manipur Chief Minister also proposed for import of precious stones,coaland pulses from Myanmar to Manipur through Moreh- Tamu border. He also urged the Myanmar authorities
for import of teak from Sagaing Region to Manipur for industrial purposes. Manipur Government has earmarked 500 acres of land for teamber park. This would enhance the economic condition of the Sangaing Region from iexporting the teak to Manipur: besides providing job opportunities to the people of India , particularly of Manipur.
Refering to visa facility for visit to Myanmar by land route, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh proposed for opening a Visa Office of Myanmar in Imphal , which would facilitate in the promotion of tourism in Myanmar. Manipur Government was willing to provide necessary space for opening of Visa Office at Imphal.
He stated that every year from 21st to 30 November, a tourism festival of Manipur namely Sangai festival was held at Imphal, capital of Manipur. The festival showcased the cultural
heritage of different communities of Manipur along with handloom and handicraft products of Manipur. Informing that Thailand had been participating at the festival for the last four years, Manipur Chief Minister invited the traders of Myanmar to take part in the Sangai festival along with the beautiful cultural programmes of Myanmar in the forthcoming Sangai Festival. He drew the attention of the Sagaing Region authorities to become a partner in the Sangai Festival to be held in November 2013. The Manipur Government would provide free stalls for the participants of Sagaing Region.
Refering to medical care facilities for Myanmarese nationals in Myanmar, Manipur Chief Minister said, “Manipur has excellent medical care facilities. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, private hospitals like Shija Hospital, Sky Hospital for heart, Raj Polyclinic, Imphal Hospital, City Hospital in Imphal are well equipped to provide excellent medical care at very reasonable rates. Some of the Myanmarese nationals are coming to Imphal for treatment. Government of India is considering to provde visa-on arrival for the Myanmarese nationals at Moreh for medical treament. With these facilitiies, it will be very convinent for Myanmarese nationals to visit
to Manipur to get medical care. “Chief Minister of sagaing Region U Thar Aye who made welcome address requested the Indian authorities to invest for socio-economic development of Sangaing Region.
Commerce and Industries Minister of Nagaland Pangnyu Phom and Minister of trade and Commerce of Mizoram Lalrinliana Sailo also addressed to the gatherings highlighting their respective business opportunities.
Prior to the Business Conclave, the Chief Minister of Manipur Okram ibobi Singh and the Chief Minister of Sagaing region U Thar Aye jointly inaugurated the Myanmar- India Trade Fair at Town Hall here.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-appeals-to-indian-investors-to-think-for-myanmar-also/
