US firm to invest $500 mn in tourism sector: CM
Traditional dances, music of ethnic groups enthrall foreign delegates at Sangai Ethnic Park
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 18 2023: On the second day of the B20 conference, an excursion for the visiting G20 delegates was organised by the state government to showcase places of historical significance and popular tourist spots including Marjing Polo Complex in Imphal East district, and Loktak Lake, INA Complex and Sangai Ethnic Park located at Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district on Saturday.

The B20 delegates are from different countries like Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Chad, Canada, China, France, Greece, Ghana, Iceland, Japan, Nepal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Togo, Uganda and the United States among others.

The delegates had a first-hand experience of the culture and traditions of the ethnic communities of Manipur at Sangai Ethnic Park, where members of different indigenous communities showcased their culture and tradition through display of costumes, traditional dances and music in the replicated huts of the respective communities.

The rich cultural and traditional performances enthralled the delegates.

Some of them even joined the performers in their dances.

Value added products of agriculture and horticulture sectors, as well as handloom and handicraft products of the state were also showcased at the park.

Interacting with the media at Sangai Ethnic Park, chief minister N Biren said that the purpose of the excursion is to provide positive vibe to the visiting delegates and make them feel at home during their stay in the state.

Around 150-delegates including 50 foreign delegates are visiting the state as part of the B20 events.

The visit at the Sangai Ethnic Park is a unique opportunity to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the indigenous communities of the state at a single platform, he said.

Informing that he is hopeful of attracting investment from many of the foreign delegates, the CM revealed that a US company has assured of investing 500 million USD in the tourism sector of the state.

He further informed that the assurance was given by the delegate during a meeting held after the B20 conference at City Convention Centre on Friday.

Delegates from Argentina and Peru also expressed interest in hiring well-trained nurses from the state.

At the same time, Argentina has shown interest in extending cooperation in sup porting football development programmes in the state considering the sporting talents of the state's youth, Biren added.

The chief minister also mentioned a chat with a delegate from UK, who was satisfied with the warm nature and hospitality of the people and unique nature as well as talented youth of the state.

She also candidly wished that the national capital be shifted from Delhi to Imphal and had her country's embassy in Imphal, the CM recounted and added that she was expressing her feeling on seeing the hospitality and vibrant nature of the state and its people.

The delegate, in a lighter mood, said, "It is first day of my life, I think so...

So colourful, and people are so happy.

I would like to move the capital from Delhi to here.

I will have my embassy here in Imphal.

May be I am not the person to decide but it will be my wish to have it here.

Wonderful! Thank you for the warm welcome".

Earlier, led by CM Biren, the delegates visited Marjing Polo Complex where an iconic statue of polo player mounted on a horse statue has been erected.

It is the world's tallest statue of a polo player.

It was built to commemorate the game of modern polo originating from the state.

The delegates were accorded a warm reception by the locals of the area.

The delegation also witnessed an exhibition polo match at the newly developed polo ground in the complex along with a demonstration of 'Arambai' (iron tipped feathered weapons used by Manipuri warriors in ancient time).

One of the delegates from Bhutan, Sonam Phuntsho talking to officials of the state government said that they are mesmerised by the hospitality of the state and look forward to explore investment avenues.

The delegates from 23 nations consisting of 26 overseas business delegates and 24 diplomats also visited the Indian National Army Headquarters located at Moirang in Bishnupur district.

Later the delegates visited Loktak Lake, where they enjoyed boat ride in the iconic lake.

At the Sangai Ethnic Park, they planted trees.

According to TMH Green private Limited, Japan representative Teruaki Watanabe, Imphal has always been a popular place among Japanese considering the special and close relationship between Imphal and Japan.

Recounting that he had also visited Imphal in 2007 during which he went to Loktak Lake, Teruaki expressed delight over the initiatives being taken up to conserve the Lake as the results of the effort are clearly visible.

Since he works in the held of agriculture sector, he wants the people of the state to conduct a proper study on the resources available in and around the Lake to ensure people get optimal benefits from it, Teruaki said and also expressed interest in collaboration between Japan and universities in the state, and to share knowledge in the field of agriculture and horticulture.

He further said that he has full confidence in improving productivity in agriculture and enhancing the state's economy through it.

The delegates will visit Ima Keithel and the historic Kangla before leaving Imphal on Sunday.

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