Multimodal transport to boost NE-Philippines trade links

GUWAHATI: India’s ambassador-designate to the Philippines Yogendra Kumar feels the North East will be benefited by the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project which will connect the North East with Asean nations.

Transportation between Haldia in West Bengal and Sittwe in Myanmar can take place with the inception of this Rs 500-crore project. The distance between Kolkata and Sittwe is just 174 km.

Mr Kumar, who is on a tour to the North East, had discussions with trade body, the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) to boost trade.

He assured ITFAA of every possible help to develop trade ties between the North East and the Philippines. He took stock of the potential and problems in the way of developing bilateral trade and investment between northeastern states and Asean, particularly the Philippines.

ITFAA cited lack of necessary infrastructure and poor air connectivity as the major hurdles. ITFAA vice-president Rajesh Das said: "The lack of necessary infrastructure, poor road and air connectivity, absence of any five-star hotels, are major impediments to attracting foreign investors to the region."

Mr Das added that the government should take necessary steps for resumption of the Guwahati-Bangkok flight at the earliest.