There is huge potential for partnership in cultural tourism between Manipur and Myanmar as the two share strong cultural affinities with Myanmar, said Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.
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He identified the need for investments in infrastructure, skill development and film production and pitched for ‘simultaneously promoting ‘ traditional and cultural art forms to generate employment for the youth.
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The chief minister was addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of the conference on “Connecting India’s North-East with North-West Region of Myanmar: Roadmap for all-round Prosperity” that was held at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.
Speaking at the occasion, Biren said that physical and social infrastructures have to be robust to unlock the latent potentials and untapped opportunities in the state and the region.
Pointing out that Manipur is the ‘Land Gateway of India to South-East Asia’, Biren said that elevated highways and ring roads are being planned in Imphal city by his government in an attempt to boost its physical infrastructure of the state capital .
“Imphal will be the key node for India’s eastward thrust , so it must have proper infrastructure to live up to the pressure,” he said .
Biren has pitched for greater contact with Myanmar’s border regions and even advocated visa on arrival to boost medical tourism from Myanmar.
Myanmar leaders from border states have been invited to local festivals like the Sangai festival.
For most Burmese willing to visit Indian cities in the mainland, Imphal provides a cheaper transport option, almost like Agartala is for the Bangladeshis.