There is huge potential for partnership in cultural tourism between Manipur and Myanmar as Manipur shares strong cultural affinities with Myanmar. Investments in infrastructure, skill development and film production have great potential while simultaneously promoting traditional and cultural art forms, and generating employment for the youth, said chief minister Nongthombam Biren, the Imphal Free Press reported.

He was addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of the conference on “Connecting India’s North-East with North-West Region of Myanmar: Roadmap for all-round Prosperity” held at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

Speaking at the occasion, Biren said that physical and social infrastructures have to be robust to unlock the latent potentials and untapped opportunities in the state and the region.

While pointing out that Manipur is the ‘Land Gateway of India to South-East Asia’, he conveyed that elevated highways and ring roads are being planned in Imphal city by his government in an attempt to develop the physical and social infrastructure.