IMPHAL November 25: One of the 11 member Myanmar team in Imphal for the Manipur Sangai Tourism festival, 2011, U Htun Shwe alias Kakchingtabam Sundar Gopal who is the managing director of Mangiri Industrial Company Limited, in faltering Manipuri exclaimed with a smack of his lips, “Matha thongbana yam haoue” (fish curry).
He was speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an interaction programme held at the residence of Akoijam Tarakeshwore Singh at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai yesterday. The delegate enjoyed a traditional Manipuri lunch after the interaction programme.
The Myanmar delegate member stated that it has been a dream come true for him to be able to have such a lavish Meitei meal. Feeling nostalgic, he said that though he is Myanmar born, his roots are of Meitei origin and the many among the small population of Manipuris at Myanmar still longing to visit the state, he said.
He stated that he would be pleased if Manipur traders could come to the forefront and take advantage of the business opportunities which can be done among the two countries. As being of Manipuri descendant, he expressed that he would love to help out Manipuri businessmen in trade ventures.
Accompanying the delegate, Win Myint, managing director Shwe Si Soe Company that exports fish to other South East Asian countries said that his company provides products till Tamu; however on a retail basis. He reiterated that his company can provide both sea food and fresh water fish in bulks which can meet the demands of the state and added that the close proximity of Myanmar and Manipur is also economically feasible. Mentioning the limitations of the border trade, he said that there is no red tape from the side of the Myanmarese government, but there is need to streamline the import procedure from the side of the Indian government for effective open trade, he said.
Rk Shivachandra, president of the Indo Myanmar Fraternal Alliance and aspiring candidate of Keisamthong assembly constituency while welcoming the delegates emphasised on the Indo Myanmar trade potential. He said that he himself has reaped the profits of conducting business with the Myanmar and Chinese merchants.
“Instead of running after MLA and ministers for contract works and hobnobbing with officers to grant favours, the youths of the state should inspect the potentiality of the trade which can be done with Myanmar”. Mentioning the present woeful circumstances incurred by the public due to the frequent and ongoing economic blockade, he said that if the trade is open and the Indian government should relax the stringent protocols which greatly hinder the trade possibilities, there would be no dearth of essential commodities and would be available at a lesser price which would bring immense succour to the blockaded public.