Assam Set to Promote Relationship with Burma

Surajit Khaund
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

January 15, 2004

With a view to further cementing their relationship with Burma, the Assam Government has organised an international conference on regional cooperation.

Thee major regional nations - China, Burma and Bangladesh - have already confirmed their participation in the three-day gathering starting on January 17. The ‘International Conference on Regional Co-operation’ assumes significance at a time when India has been accelerating its trade activities with its regional Asian neighbours.

“It is a move to strengthen our relation with neighbouring countries, particularly with Burma”, P. Gogoi told this correspondent today. Gogoi, who is the vice-chairman of the reception committee, said that a "huge delegation from China and Burma are arriving in a day or two to discuss strengthening of trade activities.”

"After the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), we should look for a separate agreement with China, Burma and Bangladesh”, he added.

Gogoi revealed that the meet will also focus on reopening of the famous Stilwell Road that crosses Burma from India to China. The vice-chairman also claimed that the conference is likely to constitute a platform to press for a reopening of the Stillwell Road and to carry out a campaign for the alignment of the trans-Asian Railway.

Gogoi opined that the Indian government should open more trade points between north-east India and Burma to increase trade. "Since the Indian Government has been laying stress on increasing the volume of trade with south-east Asian countries, north-east India should take advantage [of the likely increase in trade].