Singh said that as Imphal Airport would in July be extended into an international airport, he proposed the introduction of flights between Imphal and Monywa, Mandalay and Yangon, saying that mutual benefits would be offered with regard to trade, tourism, business deals and investment.

Speaking as special guest of honor on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the two-day Region Investment and Business Conclave, hosted by the Sagaing Region Government, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Singh noted that Manipur is the gateway to Southeast Asia in relation to Delhi’s ‘Look East’ policy.

Highlighting the importance of the proposed Imphal- Mandalay bus service as a vehicle for bilateral trade and tourism, he urged the Myanmar authorities to agree to the launch of the bus route as early as possible.

Singh also indicated that a number of Indian businesspeople at the summit should seek investment in Sagaing in sectors such as hydroelectricity, thermal power plants, agro-industries, educational institutions and hospitals with the coordinated support of the Myanmar authorities.

He proposed exchanges between Sagaing Region and Manipur in areas such as education, culture and sports, and stated that education facilities would be made available to students from Sagaing who wanted to study medicine, engineering and other higher education.

“People on both sides of the border have been trading goods and essential commodities for a long time,” said the Manipuri chief minister, noting that formal border trade between India and Myanmar restarted in 1995 at the Moreh- Tamu crossing.

However, he said, due to the lack of banking facilities and infrastructure on both sides of the border, normal trade has not yet been realized.

Singh proposed the import of precious stones, coal and pulses from Myanmar, and urged the Myanmar authorities to allow teakwood to be exported to Manipur.

The Chief Regional Minister of Sagaing, the Commerce and Industries Minister of Nagaland, and the Minister of Trade and Commerce from Mizoram also addressed the summit and echoed the calls for increased trade and business opportunities between the two remote regions.