INDIA will build a sea port in neighbouring Myanmar as part of  its ‘Look East’ Policy in an effort to deepen trade ties with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The port would be built at Aquikwa in Myanmar with an aim to boost trade with South East Asia, Mizoram Governor A R Kohli said. The RITES is carrying out the feasibility report for the 500 million dollar project. Construction work would begin after two to three years, Mr Kohli informed. “It would take five years to complete the project thereafter,’’ he added. The Myanmar Government was also keen to develop the port, which would boost its economy and would extend all possible assistance to complete the project within the stipulated time period, the Mizoram Governor said. “Its a win-win situation for both of us,’’ he stressed. Mizoram was developing a water and road link to the port. “Kolodyne river which flows from Mizoram to Myanmar will link the State to the port. A link is also being developed to connect the port by road as well,’’ Mr Kohli said.

“The Mizoram Government was also upgrading roads within the State. All villages in the State would be connected by road by 2009,’’ the Governor said. The State will develop four more border trade points with Myanmar and two with Bangladesh. The proposal is under the consideration of the Ministry of External Affairs. Presently, the only trade point is at Champai district bordering Myanmar. “ASEAN is an economic giant but we are yet to develop strong trade ties with the member countries. This port in Myanmar will not only help New Delhi to deepen its ties with South East Asia but also boost North East’s economy,’’ Mr Kohli pointed out. “North East India acts as a bridge to South East Asia. It is imperative to develop infrastructure in the region for closer economic ties with the ASEAN,’’ the Governor said, adding, “in the next ten years South East Asia would be connected with rest of the country through North East.’’

Meanwhile, with a Joint Task Force all set to engage in a consultative process to identify ways and means of increasing bilateral trade,  border trade between India and Myanmar may take a new turn soon. The two neighbours have decided to expand trade to approximately $1 billion by 2006.

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