Workshop on Manipur in India's Look East Policy begins
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 30 2014 : Under the joint banner of Manipur Chamber of Foreign Trade and Industry (MACFI) and Manipur Update, a two-day workshop on "Manipur in India's Look East Policy" commenced from today at Hotel Classic here.

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the workshop, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that even with the introduction of Look East Policy in the state, if the people continue to indulge in imposing bandhs, blockades, igniting conflict situations and live in disunity there will not be any economic development.

He then said that even if Manipur state and its people are disregarded and left undiscovered by the rest of the world, the state's achievements in various fields of sports, art and culture, a unique identity has to be carved and made known to the rest of the country.

Manipur being known as the Gateway of India has been the reason for the introduction of Look East Policy in the state, maintained Gaikhangam.

Workshop on Manipur in India's Look East Policy begins

North East being regarded as the treasurer of India, many mega projects like trans highways, railways, trade and commerce have been taken up as such, the Deputy Chief Minister said, while questioning the people whether they are ready for these changes to be absorbed and accepted.

He also observed that organizing such workshop is very important as it would highlight the people about the changes that would come and make them know about the benefits the state would get from it.

He also maintained that in some years from now, the scenario of the state would be different, and urged the people to retain their true identity.

Gaikhangam hoped that through the Look East Policy, there would be economic development in the country.

Due to recent developments in the state in the field of education, medical, education and tourism, the state has been able to attract many tourists from various parts of the world including South East Asia, Gaikhangam further stated.

As such, he called upon the people to unite and take up every benefit which can be obtained from the policy.

The inaugural function of the workshop was also attended by P.Loken, president, MACFI as president and Govindas Konthoujam, Minister of Commerce and Industries as guest of honour.

During the workshop, various resource persons spoke on different topics related to Look East Policy.

Dr..EBijoy, Dean of Social Sciences, Manipur University spoke on "Foreign Trade and its classification and the advantages of Manipur in India's Look East Policy" while a representative of Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) spoke on "Methods of payments in import and forms of financial assistance provided by banks to importers" .

The Director General of Foreign Trade also spoke on the topic "Foreign trade rules and policies with special attention in border trade and transit trade" .

The discussion programme was moderated by Dr..EIboyaima, vice president, Manipur Economics Association.