Guwahati, Jan 21 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has advocated early reopening of the historic Stillwell road along with speedy air and railway communication networks to re-establish trade links between South East Asian nations and North East India.

Gogoi was speaking at the International Tourism Mart on Sunday where around 100 delegates, including tourism ministers, tourism secretaries, tour operators, hotelier and international media from Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar are taking part.

Besides, delegates from Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, US and Vietnam also attended the mart.

"I have been always for it. When I am advocating expansion of NE region along with the SEA nations, other neighbouring countries including China. The road, air and railway connectivity alone could help to achieve that objective," he reasoned.

"The Ledo in Assam to Nampong in Arunachal road has been developed but the road within Myanmar (about 150 km) need to be developed which is the matter between the governments of India and Myanmar. But we need the road for the NE India to prosper," he said without mincing any words.

It may be mentioned here that Union Minister of State for Tourisms Dr. K Chiranjeevi left for Laos on Sunday to attend the weeklong ASEAN Tourism Festival that began on January 18 where on behalf of the Government of India he would sign a MoU with the ASEAN nations for promotion of tourism.

The delegates from Lao PDR, Seng Soda Vanthnouwy of tourism promotion division of the information, culture, and tourism ministry, B and P Hotel MD Bourout Viewngviseth, national tourism administration's technical officer Khambou Thavixay and trader Xay Kham Phanouvong were very happy with the outcome of the ITM and the proposed MoU, which they felt would bolster the growth of tourism between India and ASEAN nations.

"India and China both mighty economy of the world with highest population, largest business scope and huge manpower cannot stay aloof for long. The relations between these two mighty economies along with the SEA countries are bound to grow sooner," an Indonesian officer commented. (ANI)