Cambodian minister for better links with North-east

Surajit khaund

GUWAHATI, Sept 14 – Senior Minister of Commerce, Cambodia, Cham Prasidh, has suggested better linkage between North-east India and Cambodia to boost trade activities. Talking to this correspondent here today, Prasidh, said that road and air linkage should be established between Cambodia and the region so that traders of both the countries can reap the benefit.

“We have very close historic links with the North East and therefore we are keen to develop our business relations with the region, but to increase our bilateral trade , we have to develop the existing communication system,” he said, adding that he had already invited Ministry of DoNER to make an in-depth study in Cambodia to explore business opportunities.

The senior minister of Cambodia arrived in Guwahati yesterday to participate in the 4th North East Business Summit beginning from tomorrow.

Providing more information on trade, Prasidh informed that the volume of trade between India and Cambodia has been gaining momentum. “ The present volume of trade can be doubled by way of opening up more road and sea routes,” he added. In this context, he said that a direct air link between North East and Cambodia should be established so that traders can explore the markets and share their business views as well. “Since tea is the main industry in the region, traders can explore our market. Moreover, we are very keen to bring tea technology to our northern region in which tea is cultivated,” he added.

Asked about his future plans, He said that Cambodia is eager to increase the volume of trade with India. “Since India has emerged as a major economic power in Asia, we are keen to boost our trade ties with it. Moreover, as far as trade is concerned, India can export pharmaceutical, tea and electronic products to our country and similarly we can export rice to India. We have already invited Indian companies to invest in our country,” he stated.

Prasidh also laid emphasis on cementing the cultural relations between North East and Cambodia.

MK Saharia, Chairman, North Eastern Regional Council, ICC, who accompanied the Minister, said that ICC has been making efforts to turn the region into an investment friendly destination. “The North East Summit is aimed at bringing more investments into the region,” he added.