The Chief Minister – N. Biren Singh noted that the state administration is planning to start international flights from Imphal Airport to Mandalay and Bangkok, under the UDAN Scheme of the central government.
Addressing a one day International Business Summit of Gateway Manipur-Connecting ASEAN Countries, Biren noted that the Imphal International Airport is the third-busiest airport in northeast India.
Besides, the ongoing developmental projects include a newly-integrated terminal and Air Cargo terminal, which will further assemble the state’s air-connectivity infrastructure.
Attended the One-day International Summit, "Gateway Manipur – Connecting ASEAN countries" at Hotel Imphal today.
As a gateway to the Southeast Asia, Manipur will play a significant role in implementing Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji's Act East Policy. pic.twitter.com/E98uLH2jbk
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 24, 2022
The CM emphasized that the region links India to one of the world’s most economically vibrant and politically significant regions.
He stressed that the global power axis shifts to the Indo-Pacific, developing a secure and prosperous northeastern region as a convergence of India’s “Act East Policy” and “Neighbourhood First Policy” which will be a crucial pillar toward achieving a shared vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
Towards realizing this vision, improved connectivity will be essential to unlock the full potential and business opportunities in the region.
He further highlighted that better connectivity would have a positive impact on sectors like tourism, logistics, the services sector, healthcare, education, IT, and IT enabled Services in order to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
Singh mentioned that improvement of National Highways to Moreh is nearing completion and that completion of regional projects, like – Trilateral Highway Project, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and SASEC Road Connectivity Projects would be transformative for Manipur and the northeastern region.
He also spoke on the huge tourism potential of the State and highlighted the endangered Sangai Deer, Keibul Lamjao the only floating National Park in the world and the Shirui Lily foundonly in the Shirui Hills in Ukhrul.
Sangma asserted that “Manipuri Dance is one of the classical dances of India, Sankirtana ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur are inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and that the Manipuri Cinema and theatre have also brought laurels for the country.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the sporting culture and added that the northeastern state has produced numerous athletes, including 19 Olympians, and an Olympian Park is being constructed in honour of the Olympians.
Biren Singh said Manipur is also the birthplace of Modern Polo. “We have inaugurated the ‘Annual Sagol Kangjei Tournament’ traditional version of polo, from this year to preserve the link between modern and traditional polo,” he stated.
He highlighted Manipur’s close historical associations with World War-II and Battle of Imphal was the turning point of one of the most grueling campaigns of the war.
“We have preserved and developed the INA Headquarter,” the Chief Minister further highlighted the Imphal War Cemetery which contains 1600 Commonwealth burials of WW-II.