Nava Thakuria/Guwahati:

Union ports, shipping & waterways and Ayush minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited thestrategic Sittwe port of Rakhine State inwestern Myanmar on Tuesday and jointly inaugurated the deep seaport with Myanmar deputy Prime Minister TinAung San in presence of a number of dignitaries.

They received the first Indian cargo ship at Sittwe which started its journey fromKolkata port on 4 May last. MV-ITTLION (V-273) carried 20,000 bags containing 1,000 metric ton of cement from India.

“Today is a historic day for both India and Myanmar as we further our relationship for mutual growth &cooperation in trade and commerce withthe commencement of operations at Sittwe port. It provides an ample scope to unlock huge value intrade and commerce between India and Myanmar, especially between the northeast India and Rakhine State,” said Sonowal while addressing aselect gathering.

Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the modification work at Sittwe port wasaccelerated, stated Sonowal addingthat the Myanmar federal government in Naypyitaw deserves appreciation. India remains committedtowards development and prosperityof Myanmarese people through developmental initiatives like the Sittwe port, he asserted.

The port has been developed as a part of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) funded undergrant in aid assistance from NewDelhi. Once fully operationalized, Sittwe port will link the Indian east coast with thenorth-eastern States, resulting in considerable savings in cost and time as well as providing an alternative route for the landlockedregion.

“Under India's Act East initiative, Sittwe port is part of the $484 million KMTTP, being constructed by NewDelhi in Myanmar. The operationalizationof Sittwe port would enhance bilateral and regional trade as well as contribute to the local economy of RakhineState. The greater connectivity provided by the port will lead to employment opportunities and enhanced growthprospects in the entire region, he added.

Apart from the Northeast, the port will also unlock huge commercial potential for Bangladesh, Bhutan andNepal by acting as a bridge with thesoutheast Asian nations. This is the true reflection of Sabka-Saath- Sabka-Vikas policy implementation of PM Modi.

KMTTP comprises four sections - from India to Sittwe port via maritime shipping, from Sittwe to Paletwa viaKaladan river, from Paletwa to Indo-Myanmarborder via road and from the border to the National Highway via road.