Eastward Ho! My view of the North east India – ASEAN Connection


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 of the world. That impression stayed with me till date.

Although it was my first trip to South east Asia I felt very comfortable interacting with the local businessmen, my meetings with the different Trade Bodies and above all the Thai people. I was surprised that as informed prior to my visit that I would face the language problem since most Thais do not speak English ( things have changed now) I was very much at ease in communicating with the ever smiling and ever helpful Thai people.

However, worth noting that a just two hours twenty minutes flight from  my hometown Guwahati opened up a sea of change in the people’s work culture and their day to day life. I did notice a lot of similarities culture-wise and in the food habits. Thanks to my childhood boarding days in Shillong where I grew up with people who came from every corner of North east India and beyond.

The people were very professional in their work place and maintained time as always promised. I felt the Western influence on Thailand did help them picked up this attitude. I felt that over the years ( 12 to be precise) I have somewhat settled into Thai society and got to know my neighbours and people better. What helped me was that I resided in a typical Thai neighbourhood far away from the Tourist concentrated areas where for the  typical tourist ’Thailand is all about sea beaches, sun and fun’.

My first trip to Thailand changed the course of my career as a Trade Consultant and a Businessman and the gradual growth of ASEAN ( Association of South East Asian Nations) over the years and access to all the 10 Nation ASEAN countries. Twelve years down the road has been an enrich experience both tradewise and otherwise with the people of ASEAN.

I will be writing from time to time about my personal experiences over the years in ASEAN and the potential we the people of the North east India have with ASEAN through Land Connectivity, Culture exchange and the most important aspect i.e. Trade and Commerce.
                                                                                                               S. M. Farid
                                                    International Trade Consultant ( ASEAN Region)
shahfarid90@gmail.com

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