Saturday 19 July 2008

India Commerce Minister Says Visit of Burmese Counterpart to Boost Ties

Text of unattributed report headlined "India, Myanmar to expand trade ties" published by Indian newspaper The Hindu website on 18 July

New Delhi(istockanalyst): Having agreed upon an alternative access route to the North-East, India and Myanmar [Burma] are set to further enhance their engagement with the ongoing visit of Commerce Minister Brigadier General Tin Nain Thein, Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said here.

"Basically we are taking forward our economic cooperation with Myanmar [Burma]. The frequent interactions are reflective of India's commitment to deepening economic and bilateral engagements," said he after interacting with Brig-Gen Thein.

Ties between the two countries are on an upswing with Myanmar [Burma] offering India partnership in developing hydel power projects. Besides, Myanmar [Burma] awarded three deep sea blocks to ONC Videsh [overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Commission of India] and two to the Essar group. In a unique partnership, two Indian public sector companies have taken a 20 per cent stake in a pipeline being built by China to take gas from blocs awarded by Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. On its part, India was prompt in offering unconditional aid when Hurricane Nargis had hit Myanmar. It has also offered credit lines to strengthen Myanmar's power transmission system.

Originally published by The Hindu website, Chennai, in English 18 Jul 08.

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