Krishna arrives in Myanmar capital for talks

NAY PYI TAW: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrived here today in Myanmar's new capital for talks with the top leaders of the newly-elected civilian government on issues like security, trade and economy.

Krishna, who stayed overnight in Yangon, the old capital of Myanmar, was welcomed at the Nay Pyi Taw airport by Dr Myo Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Party besides other officials.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian Ambassador to Myanmar V S Seshadri are accompanying Krishna, who is here on a three-day visit.

A number of bilateral agreements are also likely to be signed at the end of a meeting with his counterpart.

Krishna will also call on the country's Vice President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Sources said besides security cooperation, trade and economy will also be the focus of the talks.

Bilateral trade has expanded significantly from $ 12.4 million in 1980--81 to $ 1.2 billion in 2009-10. The trade turnover had shot up 2009-10, doubling just in two years.

India is the fourth largest trading partner of Myanmar after Thailand, Singapore and China. India is also the thirteenth largest investor with an investment estimated at $ 189 million in five projects.

However, China is the biggest investor in Myanmar with investments totalling to about $ 9.6 billion.

Sources said India is keen to increase the trade relations with Myanmar and help the country is carrying out various infrastructure projects besides providing technical training to its youth.