Imphal, January 24: The 'Made in India Exhibition' being jointly organized by the Indian Embassy and the Confederation of Indian Industry at Rangoon from February 19 to 22 this year opening the gate of business to the South East Asia will be a harbinger of a new hope for the people.

Expected to give a fresh to boost the economic growth and opportunities to thousands of entrepreneurs from the region after the exhibition, and with the opening of the Myanmar market to India, Manipur would be one of the beneficiaries.

Addressing media persons in a press conference held this afternoon at the Manipur Press Club M Indrasen Singh president of the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Chambers of commerce said that the Myanmar government will open its door to those visiting their country by simply obtaining a travel pass.

This is with specific reference to the Made in India exhibition being held next month.

The participants need not obtain visa to travel up to Yangon.

He said that the three-member delegation comprising Bijoy Kumar Sinha, Abdul Barik and himself were assured of full cooperation by the Myanmar administration.

Indrasen also disclosed that people from Manipur will be allowed into Myanmar's Tangbo village, where Jana Neta Irabot is believed to have breathed his last.

Visitors desiring to offer floral tribute to a memorial there may obtain a Travel Pass to reach the place.

The organizers of the exhibition have a special focus on economic and industrial development to open new vistas for Indian entrepreneurs.

The scopes include construction, hydro-carbon technologies, drugs and pharmaceuticals, Infotech training and education, light engineering and manufacturing.

M Indrasen further stated that the opening of the trade between the countries will involve a large sum to the tune of Rs 1600 crore business annually.

Thus it would open a wide angle of opportunities to enterprising entrepreneurs of the state; he has also expressed optimism towards the construction of 'Nongpokthong' Gateway of South East Asia to be undertaken by the Indian government at Moreh.

He said Rajender Khanna and RPK in Bhutia in the Indian embassy in Myanmar were impressed with idea of such a project.

He also disclosed the details of the meeting he had with Tin Maung Shew, General Manger Travels and Tours of the Myanmar administration who agreed in principle to accept and allow more visitors from India.

He expressed his serious concerns over the existing protected areas permit that prevents foreigners from visiting Manipur.

He appealed the state government to express the central leadership to find some other means to allow foreign traveler's to Manipur.

"There is a need to encourage the people of the state, especially by the govt to venture into transport border business.

On the contrary, the govt.functionaries are exploiting the traders who frequent the border for trade and commerce.

Many of the enterprising youth may find opportunity in the Indo-Myanmar trade if right guidance is shown.

Besides reducing the problem of unemployment in the states economy will also improve", Indrasen said.

Indrasen told media persons that these are 43 prisoners from India languishing in the Myanmar jails.

They are being released in phased manner.

He made an appeal to the people to take part in the lndo-Myanmar trade and make use of the opportunities.

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