India-funded Sittwe Port opens in Myanmar, countering China

15 May 2023 CW Team

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Admiral Tin Aung San, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport & Communications of Myanmar, jointly opened the strategic Sittwe Port in Myanmar. During the ceremony, they welcomed the first Indian cargo ship, which set sail from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.

The port was constructed with Indian aid and will play a critical role in connectivity, reducing transportation costs and times between Kolkata, Agartala, and Aizwal by 50%. "This will promote trade connectivity and people-to-people ties between India and Myanmar and the wider region, and will help boost the economic development of the northeastern states under the 'Act East Policy' of the government," said Sonowal at the opening.

The Sittwe Port is a component of India's Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which connects Kolkata in eastern India to Sittwe on Myanmar's western coast via a sea route. From there, the corridor follows an inland path through Myanmar via the Kaladan River and a highway, eventually entering northeastern India.

The activation of the Sittwe Port will improve bilateral and regional trade and contribute to the local economy of Myanmar's Rakhine State. The Port's improved connectivity will create job opportunities and enhance growth prospects in the area.

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