GUWAHATI, Oct 26 - State Industries and Commerce and Act East Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary inaugurated the �ASEAN Section� today at the 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) being held at Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here.
Cambodian film In the Life of Music directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal was screened at the beginning of the ASEAN Section of the festival today.
Addressing the gathering, Patowary said India and ASEAN have a common history of socioeconomic affinity and films and cultural exchanges are another medium to strengthen the bond.
He stated that connectivity in the form of road, rail, water, air and I-way is crucial for development. Patowary referred to various government schemes and initiatives in strengthening India�s relations and cooperation with the neighbouring countries.
The minister elaborated that schemes like four-laning of national highways, new terminal of Guwahati airport, air connectivity of Guwahati with six ASEAN capitals, access to Chittagong port, etc. will boost trade and commerce and accelerate all-round development of the region.
Patowary also referred to the ambitious trilateral highway project connecting the northeastern region with Myanmar and ASEAN countries.
Myanmar Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung stressed cooperation in sectors like tourism, trade and commerce. He also advocated for people-to-people contact and cultural exchange programmes for enhancing the relations among ASEAN nations.
Pabitra Margherita, chairman, Jyoti-Chitraban (Film Studio) Society, and the cast and crew members of the movie In the Life of Music were also present on the occasion.