GUWAHATI, Dec 17 � Curtains came down on the ASEAN-India Car Rally with the official flag-down of the rally that had traversed a length of over 8,000 km across nine nations.
The flag-down ceremony took place at the Sarusajai Stadium amidst cheers of a large crowd, which included dignitaries and trade delegations from several South East Asian nations besides.
Among those present were the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Dr D Purandeswari; Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Rani Narah, and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
Business leaders from India and South East Asia also witnessed the occasion, and later they deliberated on a host of issues concerning promotion of bilateral trade and commerce, tourism and cultural exchanges involving the North-East.
Dr D Purandeswari, in her speech, said that the rally marked 20 years of India-ASEAN partnership, �which has been a cornerstone of India�s foreign policy.�
Dr Purandeswari said that the commemorative year would be a step forward in bringing the South East Asian nations closer to India.
�The rally symbolizes land connectivity, which would open up new vistas of bilateral cooperation in wide-ranging spheres, and in which India�s North-East has the potential to be a major player,� she said, adding that developing the region�s infrastructure was now a priority with the Centre.
Cham Prasidh, the Cambodian Minister for Trade and Commerce and also Chairman of ASEAN, termed the car rally as a historic occasion, and said that it would elevate India-ASEAN relationship to another level.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, while dwelling on the physical and cultural proximity of the North-East and it South East Asian neighbours, called for strategic partnerships in diverse sectors and said that the common people would be the ultimate gainers from such developments.
