India's Look East Policy Provides Opportunities For Northeast Trading, Business Community

Shillong, Oct 1 : India's Look East policy that focuses on promoting trade with South East Asian countries is creating huge opportunities for the trading and business community of the north-eastern region.

During the recently concluded ten-day International Shopping Carnival in Shillong, the Thai merchant sells artificial flowers and other decorative items and is trying hard to establish her business in India.

The Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) organized the fair with an aim to promote trade with South Asian neighbors under the Look East Policy.

Several other traders from Thailand, Singapore, Kenya, Bangladesh and other neighboring countries participated in the carnival. Several big companies also made their presence felt.

"We are trying to take advantage of the Look East Policy and have started working with several countries like Thailand, Bangladesh and Ghana, as we want to promote the trade in Northeast India. Vo: It was not all business at the fair, which ended with a spectacular dance performance by a Thai troupe," said Rajeev Das, secretary, ITFAA.

U Ncharee Capanoglu, a merchant from Thailand, said: "We have many similar features like our looks, the way of talking and others. So I believe if we do business together in future, it will be very good and helpful to each other."

"If Thai and Indian government can work together as business partners, then our economy can grow at a good speed. Also we will not face other problems about importing and exporting goods," said NOI another participant from Thailand.

"I feel very good to come here. The customer response is very good and they buy goods in huge quantities, which is good for both the sellers and buyers," said Amnish Mitra a participant, Kolkata.

Currently trade with Bangladesh stands at 3.9 billion dollars, 1.026 billion dollars with Myanmar, over 3.4 billion dollars with Thailand and 30.6 billion dollars with Singapore.

The central government has taken several initiatives over the years to promote trade with South Asian countries.