CM proposes flight service to Myanmarese cities
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Manipur Information Centre

Monywa, May 28 2013: 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 here today.

Ibobi graced 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 as Special Guest of Honour.

Recalling that Manipur is the gateway of South East Asian countries as mentioned in the Look East Policy, he announced to the gathering 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.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at Monywa, Myanmar

Indicating that a number of Indian businessmen had come in the Conclave, the Manipur CM 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 Myanmar 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.

Stating that Manipur is the power house of sports in the country, he invited the Myanmarese sportspersons for study at National Sports Academy in Imphal.

Ibobi further 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.The number of items allowed under the border trade has been increased to 62.And normal trade between the two countries through 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 further stated.

The Manipur Chief Minister also proposed for import of precious stones, coal and 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 timber park.

This would enhance the economic condition of the Sagaing Region from exporting the teak to Manipur: besides providing job opportunities to the people of India, particularly of Manipur.

Referring 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.

Referring 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, 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 providing visa-on arrival for the Myanmarese nationals at Moreh for medical treatment.

With these facilities, it will be very convenient 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 Sagaing Region.

Commerce and Industries Minister of Nagaland Pangnyu Phom and Minister of trade and Commerce of Mizoram Lalrinliana Sailo also addressed 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.