CM reiterates international flights plan
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 24 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has reiterated that there are plans to start international flights from Imphal Airport to Mandalay and Bangkok under the UDAAN Scheme of the Government of India.
He was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural session of a one day 'International Business Summit, Gateway Manipur-Connecting ASEAN Countries' at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal today.
The summit was organized by the Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in association with the Government of Manipur.
The inaugural session was followed by a technical presentation, technical session and interaction.
N Biren said that the Imphal International Airport is the third-busiest airport in North-East India and that ongoing development works including a new integrated terminal and air cargo terminal, will further consolidate the air connectivity infrastructure in the State.
Stating that the North East connects India to one of the most economically dynamic and politically significant geographies of the world, the Chief Minister stressed that as the global power axis shifts to the Indo-Pacific, developing a secure and prosperous North Eastern region as a convergence of India's 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy' will be a vital pillar towards realizing a common vision of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' .
Towards realizing this vision, improved connectivity will be critical to unlock the full potential and business opportunities in the region, he added.
Further highlighting that Manipur is the land gateway to ASEAN and beyond, the Chief Minister added that better connectivity would have a positive impact on sectors like tourism, logistics, services sector, healthcare, education, IT and IT enabled services towards ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
Biren also stated that improvement of National Highways to Moreh is nearing completion and that completion of regional projects such as Trilateral Highway Project, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and SASEC Road Connectivity Projects would be transformative for Manipur and the North-East of India.
He said rail network has reached Manipur and added there are plans for Asian Railways through Moreh-Tamu by extending the rail line beyond Imphal.
Biren also spoke on the huge tourism potential of the State and highlighted the endangered Sangai deer, Keibul Lamjao, the only floating National Park in the world and the Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul.
He said Manipuri Dance is one of the classical dances of India, Sankirtana ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur are inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the Manipuri cinema and theatre have also brought laurels to the country.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the proud sporting culture of the State and said the small State has already produced numerous sportspersons including 19 Olympians.
He said an Olympian Park is being constructed 'in honour of the Olympians.
He said Manipur is also the birthplace of Modem Polo.
"We have inaugurated the 'Annual Sagol Kangjei Tournament', traditional version of polo, from this year to preserve the link between modem and traditional polo, Biren also highlighted Manipur's close historical associations with World War-2 and said Battle of Imphal was the turning point of one of the most gruelling campaigns of the war.
"We have preserved and developed the INA Headquarters," said the Chief Minister and further highlighted the Imphal War Cemetery which contains 1600 Commonwealth burials of WW-II and the India Peace Memorial constructed by Japan.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Manipur Start-Up and said that Venture Fund was launched and Credit Guarantee Scheme set up for MSMEs and Startups in Manipur.
Further stating that the State Government continues to give priority to develop and promote local food products, handlooms and handicrafts, he said Aromatic Black Rice and Pineapples are some of the produces exported recently to Furope and Middle East.
He also highlighted the implementation of the 'One product, One district' mission, adding that the State is in the process of identifying one product for each subdivision.
He said, "I believe the deliberations and discussion of today's business summit would provide new insights and fresh perspectives to pave the way for Manipur".
The Chief Minister also welcomed the participants to the Manipur Sangai Festival and said "I hope you all will get to experience the rich cultural heritage of Manipur during the festival and take back lasting memories".
The inaugural session was also attended by Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy, Thailand Ms Saithong Soiphet, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy to India Surapat Phosaen, General Secretary, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industries, SM Abdul Kalam Azad and CEO, Textiles Sector Skill Council Swapra Mishra.
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