Guwahati: With an aim to boost Indo-Myanmar ties, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal and Myanmar Union Minister for Transport and Communications Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Rakhine on Tuesday.

During this event, the first Indian Cargo ship which was flagged off from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata was also received.

The port is a significant component of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), which has been funded by the Government of India. Once fully operational, the project's waterway and road infrastructure will connect the East coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port, providing an alternative route for the region to access international sea routes.

The operationalisation of the Sittwe Port will have several positive impacts. It will enhance bilateral and regional trade, contribute to the local economy, create employment opportunities, and foster overall growth prospects in the region.
By reducing transportation costs and time, the port will decrease the cost of transporting goods between Kolkata and Agartala/Aizawl by 50%.

The Sittwe Port, with a maximum capacity of 20,000 DWT, is expected to transform Sittwe into Myanmar’s maritime hub, facilitating cost-effective cargo transportation and unlocking new avenues for economic development in the region.

Sonowal emphasised that the port’s development will promote trade connectivity and strengthen people-to-people ties between India, Myanmar and the wider region. This initiative aligns with the Act East Policy of the Indian government, which aims to enhance regional integration and economic cooperation.

The operationalisation of the Sittwe Port and the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project will significantly improve connectivity, trade, and economic growth, benefiting both India and Myanmar and fostering greater regional cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “This will promote trade connectivity and people-to-people ties between India and Myanmar and the wider region and will help boost the economic development of the northeastern states under the Act East Policy of the government.”

With the development of Sittwe Port, the cost and time of transportation of goods between Kolkata and Agartala and Aizawl will decrease by 50%.

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