Manipur Chief Minister,  N Biren Singh speaking at the International Conference on identifying northeast India with Northwest region of Myanmar said that India’s Act East Policy is a reflection of the country’s commitment to deepen ties with the ASEAN region, and more importantly with our immediate neighbour Myanmar as there are compelling reasons for the North East of India to establish itself as a land hub of India’s Act East Policy.

Biren further said that the deliberations will facilitate in shaping a way forward towards a shared all-round prosperity of the North-East region of India and the North-West region of Myanmar.

Manipur is the land Gateway of India to South-East Asia and to unlock the latent potentials and untapped opportunities in the state and the region, physical and social infrastructure have to be robust.  With this mindset, elevated highways and ring roads are being planned in Imphal city, the capital of Manipur said the chief minister. 

Informing that the work for widening and improving the Imphal to Moreh road is progressing at a steady pace, the chief minister said that the Asian Highways 1 and 2 which pass through Manipur, will connect the North East region to Myanmar and beyond. 

There has been a renewed effort to ensure the early completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and to extend the same to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, he added.

With railline already in Manipur, the state is well placed to cater to the logistical needs of the region. A feasibility survey has been made to extend the rail line from Imphal up to Moreh and a study has also been conducted on the possibility of rail connectivity with Myanmar.

He said “This Trans Asian Railway Link has immense potential to uplift the socio-economic condition of the peoples further.”

Biren informed that the formalities for starting the Mandalay-Imphal bus service are at its final stages and the next stage would involve signing of Transport Protocol between the Government of India and the Government of Myanmar. 

The state chief minister requested the Myanmarese delegates, led by chief Minister Aung, to take up the issue upon their return as the  bus service will serve the Myanmarese  by serving as a gateway to Indian Buddhist religious centres in Tawang, Rumtek and Bodhgaya. 

Since Manipur has excellent air connectivity with major cities in the country, an Air Cargo Terminal is being planned in the Imphal International Airport. The state is also keen on air links directly between Manipur and Myanmar to promote tourism, trade and to build greater people-to-people contact. In this regard, we intend to propose a flight between Mandalay-Imphal-Gaya in collaboration with Air India. Helicopter services are now operational in Manipur. Air Ambulance service is on anvil. 

The security situation in Manipur has improved considerably. Border security is crucial on both sides for checking smuggling of drugs, arms, cross border terrorism and movement of illegal immigrants. Mechanism for identification and sharing of information needs to be strengthened. He also seek the cooperation from Myanmar in release of detained or jailed citizens of either side for accidental intrusion.

Manipur’s Integrated Check Post at Moreh has now been commissioned towards boosting border management and trade infrastructure and Moreh is already notified as Immigration Point for entry and exit said the chief minister. 

To boost investment potential, there is a new Industrial and Investment Policy to unlock the true potential of Manipur. It envisages setting up of a Single Window Agency for clearing investment proposals. To address the critical aspect of land requirement, available Industrial Estates in Manipur are being made available on lease basis. Given the importance of logistics in enhancing trade, commerce and investment, the Government of Manipur is actively considering setting-up of a Logistics Park, he added.

Biren said Manipur is rich in medicinal plants, horticultural products, aromatic plants and spices having a great potential for organic farming and floriculture. There are opportunities in post-harvest management of agricultural and horticultural products. Cold chain linkages are being strengthened and there are plans to set up a Gems and Jewellery Park and a second Food Park in the State. 

Manipur is a unique state having the highest concentration of handloom weavers in India. Manipuri handlooms are known for their finesse and elegant designs. A new Textile Policy has also been formulated to address this sector comprehensively. Bamboo crafts and pottery have potential for investment. 

Cultural affinities of Manipur with Myanmar presents huge potential for partnership in cultural tourism. Investments in infrastructure, skill development and film production have great potential while simultaneously promoting traditional and cultural art forms, and generating employment for the youth and sports, he added.

Opportunities for collaboration between Manipur and Myanmar can also be explored in the education sector through Manipur University, Central Agricultural University, the Manipur University of Culture and the country’s only National Sports University, besides premier medical institutions.

“With quality healthcare facilities and professionals available, medical tourism in Manipur is another area which we offer to our guests to experience” Mechanisms could be institutionalized for collaboration with these institutions in the areas of research, training, exchange programmes.

He also appealed the delegates to come and invest in Manipur while assuring that Manipur remains safe and productive. He said, “Future lies in engaging actively to build mutually supportive relationships. Our vision is to transform the lives of the people in our regions and reshape the economic landscape in the Asian century. We will continue to work steadfastly with this belief.

Chief Minister, Magway Region Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, Government, Magway, Ambassador, Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Delhi. Moe Kyaw Aung, Consul General of India, Mandalay,Nandan Singh Bhaisora and Director, India Foundation and Captain. Alok Bansel were the VIPs present in the high level meeting.