Need to ensure India- CLMV relations reach new growth trajectory: Anil Wadhwa

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa said here on Friday that there was a need to work proactively to ensure that India- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (Asian sub-grouping) (CLMV) relations reach a new growth trajectory.

Addressing the valedictory session of the second India-CLMV Business Conclave, "ASEAN-India Economic Engagement: The Way Forward" organized by CII and the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Wadhwa pointed out that for India, the CLMV countries occupy a very special place in its foreign policy.

He stated that the Government was in the process of setting up Center of Excellence in software training and English language training in these countries to provide them with soft skills.

Wadhwa also highlighted the need to step up India's trade with the CLMV countries which he felt was well below potential.

He was of the view that one way to do so would be to promote the physical connectivity of India with the CLMV region, stating that this was a shared goal between India and ASEAN.

Wadhwa also spoke of the trilateral highway that was being constructed, hoping that the highway would be eventually extended to Vietnam.

Wadhwa further hoped that the transit and transport agreement would soon come into place which would set up the soft infrastructure required to facilitate movement of goods along the highway.

The key recommendations of the two day conclave included the need to, ease visa norms for visitors from CLMV countries, encourage Indian tourists to visit CLMV countries, promote greater P2P connect through cultural exchanges, conclude bilateral tax treaties with CLMV countries, set up the ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre, conclude the RCEP negotiations in a time bound manner, create infrastructure that improves land, sea and air connectivity, simplify and implement effective customs rules and regulations in both India and the CLMV countries and develop logistics systems/hubs around Mekong-India economic corridor.