By Rajesh Mishra New Delhi/Yangon, May 19 : A three-day India-Myanmar Business Conclave is currently on in Yangon as part of New Delhi’s “Act East” policy. A 25-member business delegation from India, led by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman, is attending the conclave. Sitharaman is the first Indian minister to visit Myanmar after the change of regime in Myanmar in November 2015. During the conclave and the Government-Business Round tabled theme: ‘Forging Partnerships for Myanmar’s Development’, Sitharaman conveyed that India had opened 96.4 percent of tariff lines at zero duty for Myanmar under its Duty Free Tariff Preference scheme besides ASEAN India FTA. India assured that it shall assist Myanmar in its endeavor to modernize and assist based on the priority areas where such cooperation is sought by the latter. Sitharaman acknowledged Myanmars achievement in organic and sustainable agriculture. She said India can cooperate in boosting productivity by providing technology and agri equipment. Sitharaman said that the pharmaceutical sector is an area where India can engage actively specially for public heath care. The Indian Commerce Minister also identified textiles, IT and the automobile industry, where India could engage with Myanmar for mutual benefit. She conveyed India’s commitment to contribute to Myanmar’s development, including road and connectivity projects, border projects such as border haats and ICPs. She invited Myanmar to hold road shows in key cities of India, exhibiting the opportunities available in Myanmar to connect to larger numbers of Indian businesses. Sitharaman also had bilateral interactions with Mr U Win Khaing, Myanmar Minister for Construction, Dr. Than Myint, Myanmar Minister for Commerce and Mr U Khin Maung Cho, Myanmar Minister for Industry. Issues related to long term engagement on G2G basis for procurement of pulses, easy access to Indian pharma products and pharma companies, Indian investment in infrastructure, capacity enhancement and upgrading border infrastructure, were discussed between the two sides. The conclave witnessed intensive sessions and B2B interactions in the sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, employment, IT, health, education, skill development, power and renewable energy, air, sea, land, tourism and hospitality, SEZs, industrial sones and finance.
Source-ANI