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Envoys of ASEAN countries to visit NE

By Spl correspondent - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

NEW DELHI, May 30 � Ambassadors of the ASEAN countries are visiting the North Eastern region shortly to explore the possibility of promoting tourism and trade.

The proposal was finalised at a meeting between Minister of Mines and DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique and Ambassadors of Thailand and Myanmar, Krit Kraichitti and U Kyi Thein, respectively.

The Ministry of DoNER would coordinate the two-phased visit. In the first phase the Ambassadors are scheduled to tour Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura. In the second phase, they are slated to visit Sikkim, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, official sources disclosed.

The Ambassador of Myanmar apprised Handique regarding the progress of the road linking Zokhta in Mizoram and Setpytpin in Myanmar. He further mentioned that the request by the Government of India for the

Myanmar Government is acting upon expediting the development of the road, said sources.

The road is part of the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project, which envisages connectivity between Indian Ports on the Eastern seaboard, Sittwe Port in Myanmar and then through riverine transport and then by road to Mizoram.

Sources said various issues pertaining to border trade also figured in the discussion. The recent notification by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on allowing more commodities for border trade along Indo Myanmar Border was conveyed.

The list of 21 commodities has been expanded and 18 more items have been allowed for trading with Myanmar. The Central Government issued a fresh order allowing trade in bicycle parts, life saving drugs, fertilizers, spices, agarbatti, sugar, salt, stainless steel utensils amongst others, said sources.