‘A Tri-National Conference of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar on Regional Cooperation through Mizoram’ was organized at ICFAI University Mizoram today by Department of Political Science, ICFAI University Mizoram in collaboration with Planning & Programme Implementation Department, Govt. of Mizoram. Governor of Mizoram Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan graced the event as Chief Guest.

In his speech, the Governor said that the North East region holds a very strategic place for India in terms of geo-politics in South Asia but is also characterized by low levels of income, low employment guarantees, low industrialization and overall low levels of development. He said that the economic reforms like that of the 1990s seemed to have little impact on the overall development of the region and therefore, one has to find new development trajectories to help boost the region. The Chief Guest said that the tri-nation conference presents an opportunity to discuss collectively on cross border trade, security of the region and drug trafficking. He emphasized that cultural exchange programmes could also facilitate relations between the three nations as there are many shared cultural and historical backgrounds between them. He said that this academic platform will produce critical and positive thinking for better relations and cooperation between the three nations.

Guest of Honour Shri Lalsawta, Minister for Planning & Programme Implementation Department said that the conference will provide a platform to discuss on regional cooperation between the three countries and the deliberations will pave a way for better cooperation. He said that real service to the people can only take place during peace and therefore, it is vital that they live peacefully. He also said that peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation in matters of trade and other areas will be beneficial to the region and the conference will therefore give an opportunity to share their views.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhyaya, former Ambassador of India to Myanmar, Afghanistan and Syria highlighted the significance of the North East India and in particular Mizoram to the region. He suggested investments in education, health infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), cultural exchange, tourism, food processing, environment protection and connectivity for the region. Also speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, Asst. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India suggested improvement in connectivity for viable commercial activities and investment in education infrastructure. He also said the investments in addition to relaxation of rules for visitors will eventually attract more tourists for the State.

Today’s conference began with Vice Chancellor of ICFAI University Mizoram, Lt. Gen. AK Misra, AVSM welcoming the gathering. He also gave a brief report on the activities and achievements of the University. Panel discussions on Trade & Investment and Culture & Politics were held during the Conference.