By: Dakter Esse (Deputy Editor-North East cum Bureau Chief-ICN Arunachal Pradesh)
ITANAGAR: Meeting of Governors of North Eastern States was convened by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India at New Delhi today to take into account the views of the NE States for the India-ASEAN Special
Commemorative Summit. The summit is scheduled to be held on 25th January 2018 in New Delhi, where leaders of all ten ASEAN countries are expected to attend.
In the meeting Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) highlighted the importance and benefits of ‘Act East’ and better cordial relationship with ASEAN Countries for the State of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Governor emphasised on strengthening both air and road connectivity with ASEAN countries for boosting the socio-economic development of the region.
Highlighting on cultural affiliation, floriculture (Orchids) and organic products of the state, he pointed that the state of Arunachal Pradesh will immensely benefits if there is greater cooperation in these sector.
Enhancing connectivity between ASEAN and India is the major thrust of India’s Act East Policy. Connectivity in the form of road, rail, maritime, as well as air links is indispensable in achieving increased cooperation in trade, investment and strengthening people-to-people contacts between nations.
The Governor highlighted that the air connectivity is an important mode of transportation to carry tourist, businessmen, high-value fragile goods and perishable commodities.
While referring to the Stillwell Road, which goes through the eastern district of Changlang to Myanmar, the Governor said that Act East policy through the Stilwell road would reinforce cross border trade in Arunachal Pradesh. The people living across the international boundaries of India and Myanmar have common cultural ties, and it would act as catalyst for cross border trade. Governor pointed out that Nampong Land Custom Station notified since 1951 remains largely non- functional and the border trade is limited to informal channels.
The Central Government is considering all possible means to start the formal trade by renovating the Nampong Land Customs Station. In the event of such formal border trade, there would be surge in both imports and exports, and as a consequence. It would strengthen the pace for cross border collaboration involving both hardware and software resources for the benefit of all the stakeholders in the region.
Underscoring the agreement for international Academic exchange and collaboration for innovation and capacity building between MAEJO University, Chiang Mai, Thailand and Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor suggested for more cooperation in the field of education, students exchange programme, tourism and so on.
