New Delhi: India and Myanmar today, May 9, inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral and regional trade, besides contributing to the local economy of the state. Greater connections, job possibilities, and improved growth prospects in the area will all result from Sittwe Port becoming operational.

Both Myanmar's deputy prime minister and Union minister for Transport & Communications, Admiral Tin Aung San, and the Union minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, were present at the opening ceremony. The first Indian cargo ship, which departed from Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, was welcomed by the two ministers.

The initiative was designed to offer Mizoram an alternate means of communication with Haldia, Kolkata, or any other Indian ports via the Kaladan River in Myanmar, said the the ministry. As per statement, the proposal calls for land transportation from Mizoram to Paletwa in Myanmar, then inland water transportation (IWT) from Paletwa to Sittwe, and ultimately maritime shipping from Sittwe to any port in India.

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), funded by grant-in-aid support from the Government of India, includes the development of the Sittwe Port. The KMTTP's waterway and road components will connect India's east coast to the north-eastern states via the Sittwe port once completely operational.

Sonowal emphasised the Rakhine State of Myanmar and the historical, cultural, and economic linkages between India and Myanmar during the inaugural event. He reaffirmed India's long-standing commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Myanmar through projects like the Sittwe Port.

The expansion of Sittwe Port is anticipated to increase trade between the two countries and support regional economic growth. The port is strategically significant for India's Act East Policy, which intends to fortify connections with the Asia-Pacific region because of its location.

Indonesia wants to increase food exports to Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo pushes away rival team's crew over selfie request