Eastward Ho!

India’s Look East and Act East Policy over the years made us conscious and got us closer to ASEAN especially for us in India’s North-east. The ASEAN ( Association of South East Asian Nations) compromising of ten nations viz, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Brunei Dar-es- Salam. ASEAN came into existence on the 8 th August 1967 ( also known as the Bangkok Declaration). Its motto was One Vision, One Identity and One Community with its headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Principal aim was to accelerate economic growth, social progress, socio-cultural evolution, protection of the region’s stability and provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully. India and ASEAN trade ties grew 22% annually during 2005 – 2011 and more than 37% in 2011-12 i.e. approximately USD 80 million. It has a promising trend to grow at a much faster pace in years to come with India’s Look East Policy. T...

My sole purpose to start this blog is to pen my first hand experience of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) as an International Trade Consultant and a Businessman. I would like to highlight  the  land Connectivity ( Tri –lateral Highway both Asian Highway No.1 & 2) between Northeast India and the ASEAN Region which will change the course of Trade & Commerce in the years to come. I will also discuss about  our cultural similarities, food habits and our way of living. My first brush with South –east Asia started with my first  business trip to Thailand in 2005 ( i.e. 12 years back) when I was invited to attend a Trade Fair viz., ‘Thaifex 2005’,South-east Asia’s biggest Food and Beverage Fair. As soon as I landed in Don Muang airport, which was the only airport operational in Bangkok during that time ( Suvarnabhoomi airport was under construction) I understood the definition of a truly global city. There were flights landing in Bangkok from practically every corner ...