India keen on closer trade ties with neighbours

India is keenly promoting the trade potential of its northeastern states because it would not only give an economic boost to the region but also enable closer engagement with Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Minister of State in the Indian Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh made the remarks when Indian Ambassador-designate to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar called on him on Friday for a briefing before leaving for Yangon to take up his new assignment there.

Singh said it was important to reinforce the growth and trade potential of India's northeastern regions which were close to the borders.

For example, he said, a product grown and developed in the northeastern region would find ready takers on the other side of the border because of the common lifestyle, food habits and tastes, according to an official statement issued on Friday evening.

Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention has seen tremendous activities in business and trade sectors in the northeastern region of India as well as a greater interest in trade with the neighbouring countries.

He made a particular mention of the Asean Business Summit organised in Guwahati last year when trade and business leaders from India and other countries had come together on a common platform.