NB Explains | Sarbananda Sonowal receives first Indian cargo ship at Myanmar's Sittwe Port

New Delhi, May 11: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal and Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Communications Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State, Myanmar on Tuesday (May 9).

 

 

 

 

During this event, they received the first Indian cargo ship which was flagged off from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. The operationalisation of Sittwe Port would enhance bilateral and regional trade as well as contribute to the local economy of the Rakhine State of Myanmar. The greater connectivity provided by the Port will lead to employment opportunities and enhanced growth prospects in the region.

 

 

 

In his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sonowal highlighted the close historical, cultural and economic ties between India and Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine State of Myanmar. He reiterated India's longstanding commitment towards the development and prosperity of the people of Myanmar through developmental initiatives such as the Sittwe Port.

 

 

 

 

 

This project was conceptualised to provide alternative connectivity of Mizoram with Haldia / Kolkata / any Indian ports through the Kaladan River in Myanmar. 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.

 

 

 

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 Government of India. Once 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.

 

 

 

 

Historically, Sittwe Port has played a significant role in facilitating trade between Myanmar and neighboring countries, including India. It has served as a key point for the transportation of goods and commodities, fostering economic ties and exchanges.

 

In recent years, India has been involved in the development of Sittwe Port as part of its broader connectivity initiatives in the region. The port is a crucial component of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which aims to enhance trade and connectivity between India's northeastern states and Myanmar's western coast.

 

 

Under this project, India has helped upgrade the infrastructure at Sittwe Port and is also involved in the construction of an inland waterway from Sittwe to the Indian border town of Paletwa, through the Kaladan River. Once completed, this project will provide a more direct route for transporting goods between India and Myanmar, reducing dependence on traditional sea routes.

 

The development of Sittwe Port and the Kaladan project are aimed at boosting economic cooperation between India and Myanmar, enhancing bilateral trade, and providing better connectivity options for the landlocked northeastern states of India. It also holds the potential to benefit other countries in the region by facilitating regional trade and integration.

 

 

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