Imphal, March 23: As a symbolic event to mark the growing trade and investment ties in the ASEAN region, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in association with Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India would be organizing an Indo-ASEAN car rally from Manipur to Thailand in November.

The motor car rally, to be conducted under the technical supervision of Federation of Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI) would start from Imphal on November 24 and finish in Bangkok, capital of Thailand on December 5 to coincide with the Thai King's birthday.

This was announced by CII (Eastern Region) chairman Sanjay Budhia during a press conference at Kolkata today.

Source said that Prime Minister AB Vajpayee had proposed an Indian-ASEAN Motor Car rally at the 2nd ASEAN-India Summit in October, 2003.The motor car rally, which is going to be first of its kind, is meant to provide significant impetus to India's policy of engagement with the ASEAN countries.

Keeping with India's ‘Look East Policy’, India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have moved closer in the last decade more than ever before and this unique and first ever-motor car rally signifies the trade opportunity for the region by expanding road linkages and bettering transportation and logistic facilities, the source said.

A reconnaissance team of 12 officials from FMSCI, Bengal Motor Sports Club and CII would also be undertaking a route survey on the sideline of the motor car rally.

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