INDIA WILL hand control of Sittwe port back to Myanmar’s Rakhine State government in the second week of March, India’s ambassador to Myanmar Vikram Misri said.
The port, which links the two countries, was built by India for ships with displacement of up to 20,000 tonnes to dock. Ships with displacement between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes can run between Sittwe and Paletwa, Chin State.
The goods can then be carried via Paletwa to northwest India by truck.
“The project connects the hearts of the people of Rakhine State and India.
At one time, trade between India and Rakhine was vibrant with goods shipped between Sittwe and Kolkata.
Rakhine people will once again have that opportunity soon. India intends to develop the project to give job opportunities to Rakhine people and bring development to the state.
It is not for the benefit of India or any Indian company. It will be handed over to the state government in March,” the ambassador said.
Businesses from Rakhine State can use the port and cargos can be sent to India by sea and road.
He said this port project differs from other port projects developed by India.
“It will facilitate free and smooth trade between India and Rakhine,” he said.
Source: The Nation
