Assam Governor In Favor Of Re-Opening Of Trade Routes With ASEAN Countries

Guwahati: While speaking at a conclave on "Atmanirbhar Northeast through science and technology interventions" at Cotton University in Guwahati, Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has expressed his desire for the re-opening of trade routes with Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

"Re-opening of trade routes with ASEAN countries will open the gates of economic development in the Northeast," Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi said.

The Assam Governor added that the Union Government has undertaken several initiatives to develop international routes with the 10 ASEAN countries.

The Governor further went on to highlight the tremendous potential for the northeastern region to become a future hub of organic products, renewable energy, international tourism.

 Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are the 10 ASEAN countries.

Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization intended for the encouragement of economic, political and security cooperation among its member states.

Due to its geographical proximity with South East Asia, the north-eastern region is located at a strategic location. It could also serve as India's gateway to ASEAN countries.

During the British rule in India, this region acted as an eastern buffer zone for India between Burma and China.

However, this proximity is not only confined to geography. The northeast shares strong ethnic and cultural ties with South Asia. India's cultural influence on Burma, Siam, Malaya, Cambodia and Java is also quite evident.

Historians have said that South-East Asia shared trade relations with India through maritime routes and land linkages which can be dated as far back as the 4th century BC.

Following the proclamation of India's Act East Policy in November 2014, the situation can be drastically altered. 

Also read: ISRO Ropes In Assam Woman As Junior Scientist

Also watch: