Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sonowal inaugurates Sittwe port, receives first Indian cargo ship

New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and Admiral Tin Aung Sanon, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport and Communications, Myanmar on Tuesday inaugurated the Sittwe Port, said the MoPSW in a statement. Sharing the details, it said that they received the first cargo ship which was flagged off from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.

Operationalisation of Sittwe Port would enhance bilateral relations

"The operationalisation of Sittwe Port would enhance bilateral and regional trade as well as contribute to the local economy of Rakhine State of Myanmar," said the statement. Further, it added that "the greater connectivity provided by the Port will lead to employment opportunities and enhanced growth prospects in the region."

During the event, "Sonowal highlighted the close historical, cultural and economic ties between India and Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine State of Myanmar." Additionally, the minister reiterated "India’s longstanding commitment towards the development and prosperity of the people of Myanmar through developmental initiatives such as the Sittwe Port."

About Sittwe Port

"Sittwe Port has been developed as a part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) funded under grant-in-aid assistance from the central government. Once the port is fully operationalised, the waterway and road components of KMTTP will link the East coast of India to the North-eastern states through the Sittwe port," said the statement.

"The project envisages highway / road transport from Mizoram to Paletwa (Myanmar), thereafter from Paletwa to Sittwe (Myanmar) by Inland Water Transport (IWT), and from Sittwe to any port in India by maritime shipping," said the statement.

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