Eastward Ho!

During my travels to the international border areas in the  region and after being appointed Advisor to the Border Trade & Chamber of Commerce, Moreh town, Manipur, I have interacted extensively with the local population. Based on my observations, I would like to suggest the following core issues that need to be addressed to boost trade and employment in these areas. 1) Ministries such as the Ministry of DONER should have one member at least from each of the North Eastern states to enable each state to put forward their point of view regarding trade and development in their respective states.    2) Active engagement of Institutes like the EXIM Bank, NEDFI, NABARD, APEDA and ECGC. These respective Institutes can hold Awareness & Information Seminars and Interactive sessions from time to time in these areas with the active engagement of the local trade bodies. 3) A core committee can be formed with representation from every state that has an Internatio...

                 Global analysts have predicted that more co-operations amongst India, China and Southeast Asian nations will bring about a rapid economic growth affecting positive changes in the standard of living of the people of these nations. If such a development takes place, together they will be able to place themselves as a formidable economic block. This requires a sincere regional cooperation among these nations in all aspects like policy, economic and cultural development. The key objective of regional co-operation in trade is to achieve more rapid growth through improvement in network and connectivity through road and transport communication and logistic infrastructure. Regional co-operation amongst these geographically contiguous countries is expected to facilitate trade relation by fruitfully mobilizing local resources and fully utilizing them. However, the moot issue is to travel smooth and safe, trouble-free transport o...

It’s noteworthy that North-east India shares approximately 1645 kms with Myanmar which covers most of Sagaing and Chin States on the Myanmar side. As I mentioned in my previous post, Moreh in Manipur and Tamu, the border town in Myanmar are the most popular and active with border Trade ( both Barter and Imports and Exports). All car rallies to ASEAN countries till date undertaken by both Government and trade bodies have used this border route for both entry and exit of  vehicles. Likewise, the commercial vehicles also use this border route for all trade with the active participation of the Land Custom officials. The border Haats in this border town are most active with people from either side crossing over with issued permits from the concerned authorities for their daily trading and shopping within a time limit from dawn to dusk. On my last visit I had an extensive meeting with the members of the Border Trade Chamber of Commerce, Moreh who are upbeat about the prospects of...

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 ...