(i) To campaign about “Advantage Assam” initiatives by Government of Assam, the Act East policy of Government of India - to attract possible Chinese FD investment in Assam & NE states in different sectors through Joint- Venture initiatives.
(ii) To encourage Economic, Cultural and Educational exchange programmes between the cities of State of Assam and the Cities of Yunnan Province
(iii) To encourage educational exchange programmes (Student/ teaches exchange programmes) mainly to minimize the language barrier.
(iv) To make awareness about establishment of sister City relationship between major cities/towns of Assam and Yunnan province
(v) To initiate the issue of re-opening of the Stillwell Road which connects Ledo in Assam with the capital city Kunming of Yunnan province,
(vi) To promote the concept of establishment of Assam Trade facilitation Centre in Baoshan and Vice- versa in Guwahati to develop more trade activities between the two regions.
(vii) Direct Flight connectivity between Guwahati and Baoshan, Kunming
(viii) Any other relevant issues that may come up.

Chronological events of the visit

As per the itinerary, the delegates reached Baoshan on 17th June, 2018 and was accorded a warm welcome by Officials from Translator Association of Baoshan, Officials from FAO of Baoshan Municipality and the Local Travels agent. The delegates then attended the inaugural ceremony of the China’s famous “Dragon Boat & Flower Festival “Thereafter, checked in at the Hotel.

In the evening a welcome dinner was host by Director FAO of Baoshan Municipality Madame Zhang Jie, where in Directors from the department of Commerce Bureau ( which includes Industries also) , Tourism & Culture were also present in the said occasion in the Hotel Landu.

Director, FAO of Baoshan Municipality Madame Zhang Jie gave a general introduction of Baoshan city. She briefed about the unique geographical location of Baoshan on the historical Southern Silk Route which made Baoshan a hub for China's trade with South and West Asia in the ancient times. "Now with the 'One Belt - One Road' policy Baoshan stands as China's gateway for BCIM corridor initiative" said Madam Zhang Jie. She also added “The North East of India and Baoshan stands on the threshold of development and have the potential to develop with more co-operations in various areas provided if we can link ourselves through International trade and business because we are the link between two most populous countries and two huge markets".

She also emphasised that apart from business the two regions should have more people to people contact by encouraging tourism, cultural and educational exchange programs. She stretched about the importance of establishing Sister-City relationship between Guwahati and Baoshan.

During the discussion the importance of opening the Stilwell Road came up and it was felt that if the Stilwell Road becomes operative it will change the entire economic dynamics of the region.

Sri Vijay Gupta, Leader of the Delegation team, thanked the Chinese Official and expressed that both counties can always come together in the spirit of business, trade and friendship. Sri Gupta highlighted the salient points of “Act East policy,” “Make in India” policy of the Government and the Assam Government’s “Advantage Assam” policy etc.
Sri Gupta reiterated the importance of the Stillwell Road and agreed that once the Still well Road becomes operative the entire area will have a different trade and business dynamic.

Dr. Budhin Gogoi emphasised that Education Exchange programmes be initiated on priority as that will provide the bridge to understand each other better.

The Chinese delegates appreciated our initiation and agreed to look into more details of the possible Trade, Business and setting up of various small scale Industries in the Joint Venture.

The Chinese delegates gave a special emphasise on the student exchange programme suggested by Dr. Gogoi. They said that earlier delegates also forwarded such a proposal but somehow it is yet to be materialised. Endorsing Dr. Gogoi’s view, She said acquiring the knowledge of each other's language will lead to better communication and understanding of each other's history, culture and traditions.

She offered any kind of help required from her in her official capacity for building better ties between Baoshan and Guwahati.

A Banquet dinner was hosted by Madame Zhang Jie , in honour of the delegates.

In the dinner meeting Sri Gupta, highlighted the following potential business opportunities:

Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd, a gas cracker project in Assam is at the final stages of completion. The company will produce plastic polymer which is used as a raw material for manufacturing different kinds of plastic products. But Assam lacks the skills and machineries to make high quality consumer end products. China which has superior technology and skill in the plastic manufacturing sector can collaborate with entrepreneurs from Assam to produce industrial as well as consumer end plastic products. The Assam government has also established a Plastic Park near the Gas Cracker Project for setting up manufacturing units of plastic commodities and the government also has a policy for offering financial and tax incentives to the Entrepreneurs.

Assam has a huge handloom industry and two kinds of geographically tagged Silk Cocoons -Muga and Erri. But 80% of the Mulberry Silk requirement is imported from outside the state (also imported from China, but through a very circuitous route). Assam can import Mulberry Silk directly from Baoshan and can jointly set up industries to produce Muga and Erri Silk in large quantities.

The Electric Scooter if manufactured in Assam through a Joint Venture Initiative will have great potential in North East India as well as other parts of India.

Assam also has a lot of bamboo plantations; bamboo almost grows naturally in Assam due to the suitable climatic conditions. Assam needs technology and machineries to produce high end finished products from bamboo. This can be a major area of co-operation between Assam and Baoshan.

Other sectors of co-operation can be Digital Hardware, Food Processing & Packaging Technology, Tourism Industry which includes setting up and operating of Chinese origin Hotels and Restaurants.

18 June, 2018

Morning visited Yiwu International Trade City Centre of Baoshan (the venue of the trade exhibition) Afternoon - Attended the Flower Fair.

19 June, 2018

Morning – Visited Baoshan University. The Vice President of the University and Assistant President along with Miss Julia, Vice Director of International Co operation and Exchanges officer of the Baoshan University accorded a warm welcome and took us around the campus. It was really amazing to see the Jewellery Designing Department. The artwork/cutting & designing work from Jade and Agates done by the students is worth praising.

We had a meeting with the Vice president of the University. Dr. Gogoi initiated the interaction. The focus of the discussion was to start a student and teacher exchange programs between different universities of Assam and Yunnan. The agreement that emerged from the meeting was to start with student excursions to each other's campus during the summer and the winter vacation and then gradually expand it to short term and long term academic programs. Dr. Gogoi opined that to sort out the finer details of the exchange programmes or the short term course programmes immediately a Technical Team from Assam and Baoshan should interact so that the MOU conditions are framed appropriately.

Baoshan University will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in October, 2018 and therefore they expressed their desire to complete the MOU signing during that period.

In the afternoon the Delegates visited the Industrial Park of Baoshan. The General Manager of the Industrial Park gave a brief orientation about the Park and a glimpse of its future expansion plans. The delegation visited Roofer Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd. which manufactures Mobile Phones, Mobile Phone Batteries & Chargers, and also Electric Scooters. These are zero emission units making hi-tech consumer commodities. The delegates felt that these kinds of industries are very suitable and also desirable for an environmentally sensitive state like Assam.

The Electric Scooters if introduced through a Joint Venture mechanism can have a good market potential in Assam and other North Eastern States. Currently the ex-showroom prices of these scooters in China varies from RMB 2000 (INR 20,000) to RMB 3000 (INR 30,000) which is a very competitive pricing. Apart from that there is no emission of CO2 and other pollutants, and the scooters can be charged by plugging into a normal residential electric supply line. An overnight charging can take you up to 100kms.

Later in the Afternoon the delegation visited the Power bank manufacturing factory as subsidiary company of Roofer Energy Limited and also visited cotton Industry.

20 June, 2018

The Delegates left Baoshan City for Tengchong County by road. Tengchong and Check-in at the Hotel. Afternoon visited the “WWII War Memorial Museum (the National Cemetery, the Laifeng Hills Park.)

21 June, 2018

Morning visited to Houqiau Port on the Sino-Myanmar border. The Delegation was received at Houqiau port by Chinese Officials. He explained to the Delegation the importance of the location of Houqiau Port which stands on the historic Stilwell Road (also known as Ledo Road) connecting Ledo in India with Kunming in China. Houqiao was designed and designated as a Class 'A' Port with the aim of developing trade connectivity with Myanmar and South Asia. Chinese Official gave a glimpse of the future plans of building a Border Economic Zone in and around the Houqiau Port.

Evening – Visited Heshun Ancient Town

A Dinner was hosted by Miss Suzy and Mr. Qu Anfa, Tengchong Commerce Bureau officials.

22 June, 2018

As per the programme the delegates were suppose to leave Tengchong by morning flight to Kunming and accordingly a meeting with. Mr Tang Shengjun, Yunnan State Farms Agri Business Group Co. Ltd. was fixed and also there was a programme for Industry visit. However, because of inclement weather condition the Flight was cancelled and the delegates had to travel by Bus to Kunming, a distance of more tan 1000 KM. Reached Kunming on 23rd June, 2018, only at around 6.30 AM (CLT). Therefore, all meeting etc. at Kunming stood cancelled.

23 June, 2018

The delegates returned to India (Kolkata) by evening flight from Kunming.

Summary/Salient points of the visit :

The following opportunities are envisaged:

• Educational Exchange Programme- both short term & Long term courses between Baoshan University and Universities of Assam ( both Government & Private universities)
• Textile Industry
• Infrastructure development ( Roads, Bridges & housing)
• Electric two wheeler manufacturing Industry
• Power Solution Industry ( Battery, Power Bank etc)

Action required by NEFIT

• To initiate co-ordination between Guwahati University, Dibrugarh University and also Private Universities for Teacher, Student Exchange programmes both for Short Term & Long term programmes
• To Frame a MOU to be signed between Baoshan University and Assam Universities.
• To approach the Government for the Logistical support from the Government, in case Chinese Industry House show their keen interest to set up Industry in Assam & NE States.

Support from Government:

• To accord the needful approval wherever necessary to implement the Student Teacher exchange programme and also for signing the MOU with Baoshan University.
• To facilitate the infrastructure and allied facilities to willing Industry houses of China to set up Industries here in Assam & NE states.
• To facilitate Import/Export trading for the benefit of the NE region as a whole.
• It is strongly urged to initiate action for early opening of the Stillwell Road.

Prepared By Team NEFIT

A Brief Report

Delegation Members

Indo -Myanmar Friendship Bridge at the Moreh Border	Delegation Members at Tamu (Myanmar)

Downtown Mandalay	Mandalay Fort

AH-14	AH-14	AH-14
AH-14	AH-14 in the Shan State of Myanmar	AH-14 in the Shan State of Myanmar
Muse Town at Sino - Myanmar Border	Traffic at Muse

At Ruili Land Port (P R CHINA)

Meeting between Entrepreneurs and Officials

Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan	Inside the Yiwu International Trade City

Boashan University, Dept. of Jewellery Design	At the Institute of Chinese Traditional Medicine

22 Nov 2015

In the morning one group of the Delegation led by Mr. M Chandrakeshor Singh, Vice President of NEFIT left Boashan for Chengdu in the Sichuan Province in the Sichuan Province of China, to attend the 2015 BCIM Economic Corridor (Chengdu) Development Forum. The theme of the forum for the year 2015 was "Strengthen the co-operation of Intercity Economy and Trade, Promote the Prosperity of the BCIM Economic Corridor"

NEFIT Delegation at BCIM Economic Corridor Development Forum in Chengdu	BCIM Economic Corridor Development Forum in Chengdu

The other group remained in Baoshan to carry forward the discussions with regards to joint venture projects for manufacturing Electric Scooters and Solar Energy Systems in Assam under the 'Make in India' initiative. The Delegation visited the factory of Roofer Energy Technology (Baoshan) Co. Ltd. to have a discussion with the top management of the company for producing Electric Scooters in Assam in collaboration with Amtron, an Assam Government undertaking. Dr. Anup Kumar Gogoi who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Amtron led the discussion on their behalf.

At Roofer Energy Technology (Baoshan) Co. Ltd.

This was followed by a meeting with the management of the Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan. The Yiwu International Trade City offered an Office and a Business space on the e-commerce floor of the trade city to NEFIT free of cost for the next 5 (five) years. NEFIT will utilise this office to open a Trade Facilitation Centre for the Entrepreneurs of North East India in Baoshan the use the business space to stock products from North East India for exhibition and sell through the e-commerce network of the Trade City. This can become a game changing initiative by NEFIT for the market starved entrepreneurs of North East India. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mr. Lin Wenzhou, General Manager of the Yiwu International Trade City and Mr. Mrinal Hatkhowa, General Secretary of NEFIT.

Mr. Lin Wenzhou and Mr. Mrinal Hatkhowa signing the MOU	Exchange of the MOUs
NEFIT Office Space in the Trade City	Business Space in the Trade City

23 & 24 Nov 2015

The Delegation leaves Baoshan for Kunming with a stopover at the beautiful lake city of Dali. On the midnight of 24th November the Delegation flies back to Kolkata from Kunming.

Guwahati	Baoshan
Delegation Members

18 June 2015

Morning - Arrival at Baoshan - Check-in at Hotel Lan Du

Dr. A K Gogoi with Mr. Liu Pengjian, Deputy Mayor of Baoshan

Madame Zhang Jing with the Delegation

Dr. A K Gogoi with Madame Zhang

A Toast for Friendship

Dr. A K Gogoi addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony

Mr. Aung Kyaw Oo, Consul General of Myanmar with Dr. A K Gogoi

At Roofer Energy Science & Technology Co. Ltd.

	Mr. Wang De-shan, Director of the Commerce Bureau of Baoshan emphasized the importance of developing Land and Air connectivity between Boashan and Guwahati to enhance the full potential of trade and co-operation between the two cities.
	Mr. Wang De-shan, proposed to organize a Friendship Car Rally from Baoshan to Guwahati and further to Dhaka to bring into focus the re-opening of the Stilwell Road from Houqiau Prot to Ledo via Myitkyina (Myanmar). He also proposed to hold a Trade Fair in Guwahati exclusively for companies and merchants from Baoshan and Yunnan,P.R.China.
	Mr. Cheng Pang, General Manager of the Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan offered to give free space to NEFIT in the premises of the Trade City for setting up a liaison office which can also be used as an Emporium for exhibiting handloom, handicraft and other products from Assam and North East India. If it materializes then this can become the first big step towards economic co-operation between Baoshan and Guwahati.
	Mr. Cheng Pang also expressed his desire to open a representative office of the Trade City in Guwahati which will operate as a procurement hub for products originating in Assam and North East India. This can be a game changing initiative for trade and commerce between Guwahati and Baoshan.
	Ms. Yang of Roofer Energy Science Technology Co. Ltd. enquired about the market potential of Electric Scooters in Assam and North East India. She said her company will be interested in developing a Joint Venture Project for manufacturing Electric Scooters in Assam.
	Mr. Huang of Faqun Agricultural Science and Technology Co. Ltd. enquired about the market in India for Mushrooms imported from China. He also said that his company will be interested in investing in the Agricultural sector of Assam to produce high quality mushrooms under controlled environment.
	Ms. Ding of Yunnan Baoshan Ligen Silk Group wanted to know about the prospects of exporting Mulberry Silk from Baoshan to Assam and wanted to know the specification of silk generally used by the weavers of Assam.

In response to the above discussion, our Delegation Leader Dr. Anup Kumar Gogoi made the following observations,

	Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd, a gas cracker project in Assam is at the final stages of completion. The company will produce plastic polymer which is used as a raw material for manufacturing different kinds of plastic products. But Assam lacks the skills and machineries to make high quality consumer end products. China which has superior technology and skill in the plastic manufacturing sector can collaborate with entrepreneurs from Assam to produce industrial as well as consumer end plastic products. The Assam government has also established a Plastic Park near the Gas Cracker Project for setting up manufacturing units of plastic commodities and the government also has a policy for offering financial and tax incentives to the Entrepreneurs.
	Assam has a huge handloom industry and two kinds of geographically tagged Silk Cocoons -Muga and Erri. But 80% of the Mulberry Silk requirement is imported from outside the state (also imported from China, but through a very circuitous route). Assam can import Mulberry Silk directly from Baoshan and can jointly set up industries to produce Muga and Erri Silk in large quantities.
	The Electric Scooter if manufactured in Assam through a Joint Venture Initiative will have great potential in North East India as well as other parts of India.
	Assam also has a lot of bamboo plantations, bamboo almost grows naturally in Assam due to the suitable climatic conditions. Assam needs technology and machineries to produce high end finished products from bamboo. This can be a major area of co-operation between Assam and Baoshan.
	Other sectors of co-operation can be Digital Hardware, Food Processing & Packaging Technology, Tourism Industry which includes setting up and operating of Chinese origin Hotels and Restaurants.

21 June 2015

At the campus of Baoshan University

Morning - Visit to the Campus of Baoshan University. The Delegation received a warm welcome from the President of the University Mr. Zhou Zhau and Assistant President Mr. Jian Hua Zhao. They took us around the campus, and the delegation was delighted to see the students of the Jewellery Department cutting out beautiful artwork from Jade and Agates.

Later the Leader of our Delegation Dr. Anup Kumar Gogoi who himself is a Senior Professor of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati had a very elaborate meeting with the President, Assistant President and other Faculty Members of Baoshan University. The focus of the discussion was to start a student and teacher exchange programs between different universities of Assam and Yunnan. The agreement that emerged from the meeting was to start with student excursions to each other's campus during the summer and the winter vacation and then gradually expand it to short term and long term academic programs. Dr. Gogoi assured the gathering of his co-operation in co-ordinating with different universities of Assam in conducting such programs.

Dr. A K Gogoi felicitating The Mayor of Baoshan Mr. Wu Song

Delegation members with The Mayor of Baoshan

Afternoon - Lunch hosted for the Delegation by the Baoshan University.

Evening - Banquet hosted by The Mayor of Baoshan, Mr. Wu Song. The Mayor welcomed our delegation and expressed his desire to see greater economic co-operation and cultural exchanges between Guwahati and Baoshan. He laid emphasis on establishing Sister-City relationship between Guwahati and Baoshan, which he said will pave the way for more people to people contact and better connectivity between the two cities through land and air. He explained to the delegation the 'One Belt, One Road' policy and said that by re-opening the ancient Southern Silk Route (also known as the Stilwell Road), Guwahati and Baoshan can become the connecting cities between the two great civilizations of India and China. Through our delegation the Mayor conveyed his respect and regards for the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi and forwarded an invitation to the Chief Minister of Assam to visit Baoshan at his convenient earliest.


22 June 2015

Morning - The Delegation left Baoshan City for Tengchong County by road > Arrival at Tengchong and Check-in at Hotel Jinyu.

Houqiao Port	Dr. A K Gogoi and Mr. Cun Wei at Houqiao Port	Dr. A K Gogoi in conversation with Mr. Cun Wei

Afternoon - Visit to Houqiau Port on the Sino-Myanmar border. The Delegation was received at Houqiau port by Mr. Cun Wei, Deputy County Magistrate of Tengchong. He explained to the Delegation the importance of the location of Houqiau Port which stands on the historic Stilwell Road (also known as Ledo Road) connecting Ledo in India with Kunming in China. Houqiao was designed and designated as a Class 'A' Port with the aim of developing trade connectivity with Myanmar and South Asia. Mr. Cun Wei also gave a glimpse of the future plans of building a Border Economic Zone in and around the Houqiau Port.

Evening - Dinner hosted by Mr. Cun Wei, Deputy County Magistrate of Tengchong.

23 June 2015

Morning - Visit to Heshun Ancient Heritage Township in Tengchong, followed by a visit to the Anti-Fascist War Memorial in Tengchong.

Heshun Ancient Heritage Township	Anti-Fascist War Memorial	At Tengchong Gaoligong Mountain Ecological Tea Co. Ltd

Afternoon - Visit to Tengchong Gaoligong Mountain Ecological Tea Co. Ltd. where Mr. Huang Andong, the General Manager of the Company gave a warm welcomed to the Delegation and gave us the opportunity to taste different verities of Chinese tea which included green and black tea along with Oolong. The Delegation offered him the taste of Assam CTC tea which is famous all over the world for its strong body of liquor. There was a brief discussion on the different processing technologies that are use for Assam and Chinese tea. A business proposition of mutual import and export of Assam and Chinese tea was also explored.

Evening - Fly to Kunming and Check-in at Economic Trade Hotel in Kunming.

24 June 2015

At Yunnan Energy Investment Logistic Co. Ltd in Kunming

Morning - City Tour and Market visit in Kunming.

Afternoon - Lunch hosted by Mr.Tang Shen-jun, Director of Foreign Affairs, Baoshan Municipal Government, followed by a visit to the Old campus of Kunming University accompanied by Mr. Zhu Qisai, Chief of Protocol in the Foreign Affairs Department of Baoshan.

Evening - Meeting with Mr. Liao Zhiwen - General Manager of Yunnan Energy Investment Logistic Co. Ltd. The Yunnan Energy Investment Logistic Co. Ltd is a public company with a capital asset of 11.615 billion Yuan. The main business of the group includes investment and management of electricity, natural gas, coal and other energies. They also specialize in generating power from new and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The company is exploring possibilities of investing in the power sector of Assam which includes generating power from coal, gas and solar energy sources. Our Delegation Leader Dr. Anup Kumar Gogoi, who is himself a renowned expert in the Power sector invited Mr. Liao Zhiwen to Assam for an elaborate and high level discussion on investing in the power sector of Assam. He said that Assam has huge requirement for solar power generating plants and the Government of Assam will be happy to welcome investment in this sector. This discussion was followed by a banquet hosted by Mr. Liao Zhiwen.

Mid-Night - Fly back to Kolkata, India.

Report Jointly Prepared By

Mrinal Hatkhowa
&
Anshuman Baruah
Of NEFIT

© Copyright
North East Federation on International Trade
www.nefitindia.com

Baoshan - A new destination for Trade and Tourism

Baoshan is a beautiful city located close to the Sino-Myanmar border in the Yunnan Province of Southwest China. What strikes you at the first look is the serenity of this otherwise modern city, with clean and green locales and streets lined with neatly planted trees. 'Baoshan' means the 'Mountain of Protection' and it is the first major city on the Chinese section of the famous Stilwell Road which connects Ledo in Assam to Kunming the capital of Yunnan province in China. The Stillwell Road named after General Joseph Stilwell of the US Army was build during the World War II as an alternative supply route for the Allied Forces who were helping the Chinese Forces to fight the Japanese Imperial Army in the war ravaged zone of Southwest China. Many Western pilots flew supply planes over the Patkai hills which they called 'The Hump' from bases in Chabua and Dinjan in Assam, and that's where comes historical connection between Assam and Baoshan. And to add to that many Chinese refugees who fled the war zone found shelter in upper Assam districts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. These events are beautifully chronicled in the Anti-Fascist War Museum located in the Tengchong County of Baoshan.
The Tengchong county is the tourism hub of the Baoshan prefecture, it is famous for its geothermal hot springs, and jade artworks and jewelleries. There are over 80 steaming hot spring ponds and boiling fountains in Tengchong which spout hot water at 90o C and upward. As a tourism hub Tengchong has a many world class hotels which are known for their traditional Chinese spas and this has given Tengchong the title of Spa Capital of Southwest China making it a major destination for leisure tourism. Located at an average altitude of 4000 feet above sea level Baoshan boasts of a mild and pleasant climate all year round and this has particularly contributed to its vast resource of flora and fauna. One thing that stands out in Baoshan is the Yunnan cuisine, which is a mouth watering array of meat, fish, fresh and wild mushrooms, and tofu platters cooked with whole spices, mountain herbs and seasonal vegetables - this is something that is not to be missed when one is in Baoshan.

The unique geographical location of Baoshan has made it an important traffic hub for trade in Western Yunnan. In keeping with China's "One Belt One Road" policy, Baoshan has become a key point on the over land trade corridor to India via Myanmar. In terms of bird-fly distance Boashan is the closest Chinese city to the North East India and the road distance between Houqiau Land Port in Baoshan and Ledo in Assam is just 602 km. The newly built Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan is one of the biggest trading infrastructure created in the Yunnan Province of China. The International Trade City, has a total construction area of 2.6 million square meters and with its wholesale, retail, warehousing and logistics sections offers a complete solution to any kind of international trade. The concept of this trade city is very unique - 'We buy from the world and we sale to the world'. This effectively means that a trader or an entrepreneur from the market starved region North East India can stock his inventory in this Trade City and get access to a huge market in the mainland China as well as the ASEAN through the in house e-commerce network of the trade city.

The economic growth potential of Baoshan is very similar to that of the city of Guwahati. Both the cities are well connected by road and air, has good infrastructure, emerging industrial parks, skilled human resources and a good environment for business. A proposal for establishing sister city relationship between Baoshan and Guwahati is on the anvil, and with the kind of rapport that has been developing between President Xi Jingping of China and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream of travelling by road from Guwahati to Baoshan can become a reality in the very near future.

How to Reach
China Eastern Airlines has daily flights between Kolkata and Kunming and from Kunming it's less than an hours flight to Baoshan.

Major Attraction
"2015 Flower Fair (Dragon Boat Festival) & South Asian Friendship Exhibition" to be held in the International Trade City of Baoshan from 19 to 23 June 2015.

by:
Mrinal Hatkhowa
General Secretary
North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT)
Email: mrinalhatkhowa@gmail.com

Brief Note on the visit of the
"Assam Pioneer Economic and Cultural Co-operation Delegation"

The Assam Pioneer Economic and Cultural Co-operation Delegation visited Boashan from 18 to 24 June 2015. The Delegation was organised by North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) and was lead by Dr. Anup Kumar Gogoi, Senior Professor of Electronics & Electrical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. The primary aim of the delegation was to participate in the ":2015 Flower Fair (Dragon Boat Festival) & South Asian Friendship Exhibition”, which was held in the Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan, and built bridges of Friendship and Economic Co-operation.

The Delegation had many interactive sessions with different groups comprising of Political and Business leaders of Yunnan Province to Students and Teachers of Baoshan University. The Delegation had informal interactions with people from different walks of life like Journalists, Artisans, Immigration and Custom Officials, Bureaucrats and even solid waste management teams of the city.

Among the many fruitful discussions with regards to future co-operation between Baoshan and Assam, a few are listed below,

	Chinese Investment for Solar and Thermal Power generation in Assam.
	Student and Teacher exchange programs between universities of Assam and Baoshan.
	An initiative for organising a BCIM(Bangladesh China-India-Myanmar) Car Rally through the Stilwell Road starting from Baoshan to Dhaka via Myitkyina - Ledo - Guwahati - Shillong - Dawki - Shyllet.
	Encouraging Tourist movement between Assam and Baoshan.
	Co-ordination with the Government of both Countries for re-opening the Stilwell Road and turning it into a major overland trade route between India and China.
	Co-operation in the Information Technology and the Tea sector.
	Encouraging international trade between Assam and Baoshan, especially commodities from the Agriculture and the Horticulture sector.
	Establishing a permanent Trade Facilitation Centre under the aegis of NEFIT for businessmen of Assam and North East in Boashan and vice-versa.

A Brief Report on the visit of a Two Member Delegation from NEFIT to Baoshan and Kunming (8 - 14 April 2015)

8th April 2015

9th April 2015

10th April 2015

» Visit to Baoshan Funqun Agro Company who produces different verities of organic Mushrooms in a controlled environment. This model of agriculture can be easily replicated in Assam where the atmospheric moisture content is very high and mushroom just grow in the wild without any need for conditioning. If local and hybrid verities of mushrooms are grown in such controlled environment it can work wonders for Agro based entrepreneurs of Assam. The Baoshan Fungun Agro Company is looking for distributors in Assam to market their dry mushroom products and have conveyed to us their interest in investing in Assam through a Joint Venture initiative to produce fresh organic mushroom in the State. » Visit to the Best Ainn Coffee Company where we learnt about the history of coffee plantation in the Yunnan province and also tried different verities of coffee that are produced in Yunnan. » Meeting with International Trade Promotion Federation of Baoshan. We had a elaborate discussion on how to promote mutual trade and co-operation between Guwahati and Baoshan and finally we zeroed in on three specific initiatives for the year 2015 which can work as a launching pad for future co-operation.   Participation of a Business Delegation from Assam in the Flower Festival Trade Fair to be held in the month of June 2015, in the premises of the Yiwu International Trade City of Baoshan.   First leg of Baoshan - Guwahati Friendship Car Rally to be held in October-November 2015.   Organizing a Trade Fair in Guwahati in the month of November 2015 exclusively for the Business People Yunnan Province and Baoshan in particular.

11th April 2015

12th April 2015

13th April 2015

In Kunming we had many meeting from morning to evening over lunch, coffee and supper with businessmen and entrepreneurs from different felids in the presence of Mr. Tang Sheng-jun, Director of Foreign Affairs, Baoshan Municipal Government.

Observation

From this brief visit to Baoshan and Kunming in the Yunnan Province of P. R. China, we would like to make the following observations.

1. Report on GS visit to Baoshan on April 2015

Report prepared by join study group led by:
Mr Mrinal Hatkhowa
General Secretary
NEFIT
Ph: +91 9854079997
Email: mrinalhatkhowa@gmail.com
Web: www.nefitindia.com

A report on visited Economic and Trade Delegation from Baoshan, P.R. China to Guwahati, India on 23/12/2014

As according to the itinerary:

After arriving in Guwahati the Delegation was taken to EPIP,Amingaon for field visit to EMAMI company which was organized by Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited, Govt of Assam under taking where the officials from EMAMI company gave a presentation regarding their achievement.

On 23th December, 2014 evening NEFIT had hosted an Interaction Dinner meeting in the honor of Madam Zhang Jing at Circuit House Guwahati which was presided by Chairman Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (AIDC) where officials from APEDA, SABF, FICCI, ICC, FINER and Traders of North East Region were present.. Mr. Bidyut Baruah Asstt. General Manager of APEDA delivered a power point presentation on the Exportable commodities and highlighted the potential commodities of this region. Mr Biswajit Chakrabarty of FICCI delivered a power point presentation on Possible Connectivity of North Eastern Region of India by road, Air, railways and port with China and South East Asian countries through Myanmar.

In this meeting the Chinese Delegates emphasized to promote land route connectivity via silk route to Baoshan with the North Eastern Region of India as it happens to be the shortest route to connect China border town Ruili with North East Indian border (around 1200 km) and would be cost competitive compared to other regions of India for the cargo movement by road.

On 24th December, 2014 NEFIT had facilitated an Interactive meeting with senior officials of Agriculture Department, Govt of Assam at State Secretariat, Dispur including Additional Chief Secretary cum Agriculture Production Commissioner, Secretary and Director of Agriculture Department, Govt of Assam and exchanges views on import and export with the Chinese Delegation like Agriculture, Horticulture commodities, Textile, Handicraft items and even tourism. the Govt. of Assam apprised the delegates about the wild life sanctuary existing in the state like kaziranga national park, Manas Wild life sanctuary and suggested them to send the tourist to enjoy the beauty of these places. The Govt. of Assam had invited the Chinese delegation to participate in the forth coming event 2nd International Agri- Horti show in Guwahati starting from 10th Feb. to 14th February, 2015 and offered them to provide the space for stall free of cost. The Chinese delegates expressed their interest and enquired about the Air connectivity from Baoshan to Guwahati to bring their people and the display materials by hiring a Chartered flight. They also had invited the delegation from Assam to visit Baoshan province of China to explore the market.

After that the Delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Industry and Commerce Minister of Assam and also discussed the feasibility of establishing the connectivity through the old Stillwell road or silk route from Guwahati to Baoshan via old Ledo road.

On the way to Air-Port they visited Kamakhya Temple and APEDA arranged a visit to NRC on Pig (Pig farm) at Rani where the director of the institute explained about the R&D work done on Pig and how the institute is helping the local entrepreneurs to pig rearing and processing.

NEFIT Views and Suggestion:-

NEFIT as a trade body has coordinated this event for the development of this region of India. Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modiji during his visit to Guwahati on November, 2014 delivered his view to develop trade of this region with South East Asian countries. Also given an example how road communication has developed South Korea. We appreciate our Prime Minister’s views and welcomed the initiatives taken by him to develop this region. NEFIT will always come forward to promote MAKE IN INDIA drive initiated by Honorable Prime Minister in North Eastern Region of India.

We like to put forward our suggestions as follows:--

1) Operating Air connectivity with cargo facilities from Guwahati to Baoshan,P.R.China will be a milestone initiative promoting Trade and Tourism development in this region. In this regard the govt. of India may kindly invite the major Airlines like South China Airways, Thai Airways, and other National carrier and explore the possibilities to introducing the flights from Guwahati to Mandalay (Myanmar) and Kunming, Baoshan (P.R.China) to promote trade and tourism.

2) Provide facilities for passenger and cargo clearance of International Flight at LGBI Airport at Guwahati along with the other facilities like visa on arrival etc..

3) Develop road connectivity from Guwahati, Assam to Baoshan, China along with South East Asian countries through Indian border at Moreh connecting Kalemyo, & Mandalay of Myanmar. Also establishing sister city relations between Baoshan (P.R.China) and Guwahati (INDIA) for promoting trade and tourism.

Proposal: ----

NEFIT proposed for an exposure visit to Baoshan, Yunnan province of P.R.China by land route via Moreh in Manipur to reciprocate their visit to Guwahati with Traders and Entrepreneurs from this region to explore the opportunities for promotion of Trade and Tourism activities from North Eastern India. The proposed delegation will visit Baoshan by first quarter of 2015 comprising participants from different part of the country.

Report present by: Mrinal Hatkhowa, GS, NEFIT. Ph: +91 9854079997, E mail: mrinalhatkhowa@gmail.com



General information to all the Exporters and Importers and to all Concern

In references to the directive given by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, issued by Suresh Kumar, under secretary to the Government of India vide letter No. 8/1/2011-RMTR dated 4th June 2014 in relation to WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (Document No. WT/MIN (13)/36 dated 11.12.2013. We are pleased to bring in the notice of the all concern which is stated below:-

PRESS RELEASE

Top Board of Investment (BoI) officials of Thailand led by Bonggot Anuroj, Executive Director of Investment Marketing Bureau and accompanied by Mr. Tharadol Thongruang, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi visited the three states of Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland from 1 – 4 April, 2013.

In Guwahati, Assam, high profile meetings were held with Shri Nilamani Sen Deka, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Assam, Shri Chandan Brahma, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Assam followed by fruitful meeting with Shri VK Pipersenia, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Assam and with Shri RT Jindal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce etc. Later in the evening, a successful and fruitful interactive meeting with the local entrepreneur was held at hotel Gateway grandeur.

On 2nd April, 2013 another round of fruitful discussion was held at the conference room of the Meghalaya state Secretariat in Shillong with the Additional Chief Secretary of Meghalaya and other senior officials and NEFIT. Both sides have expressed willingness to seek and explore more business opportunities in respective state and country.

On 3rd April, 2013, the BOI delegation moved to Kohima in Nagaland where they had a series of meetings with the Additional Chief Secretary of Nagaland along with other high ranking officials.

After a successful tour of the regions, both BoI and NEFIT have agreed in principle to continue with such reciprocal visits with increased frequency and resolved to work for strengthening bilateral relations in trade and investment in Northeast India and Thailand. Both sides have expressed satisfaction and willingness to seek and explore more business opportunities in respective countries much ahead of the AEC which comes into effect in 2015.

PRESS RELEASE

A SOUVENIR book commemorating the event of Indo –Myanmar Friendship Car Rally held in March 10-22, 2012 is released today on 18/06/2012. The Souvenir book will be dispatched to all concerns within a short period of time. Any interested person can avail copy of the book from the office of the Liaison Office of NEFIT located at RGB Road, Guwahati.


PRESS RELEASE : Indo – Myanmar Friendship Car Rally

The first Indo – Myanmar Friendship Car Rally was organised by North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) in association with Assam Speed and Adventure Club, Guwahati to foster bilateral relations in Culture, Tourism and Trade between the two countries of India and Myanmar.

The first leg of the car rally was flagged off  by Shri Pradyut Bordoloi, Hon’ble Assam state Minister of Industries on 10/03/2012 from Hotel Land mark, Guwahati. And the Second leg of the car rally was flagged off from People’s Square, Yangon on March 17, 2012 by U Myint Swe, Chief Minister of Yangon in presence of Dr.V.S. Sheshadri, His Excellency the ambassador of India. In Naypyitaw, the capital city of Myanmar, the car rally was flagged off by U Tint Hsan, Minister of Hotel & Tourism and Sports.

The car rally which started off on March 11 from Guwahati, via Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Moreh, Tamu, Kalemiyo, Monywa, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Yangon, Piyay and Bagan reached Guwahati on the evening of March 22, 2012 and thus ended the first Indo – Myanmar Friendship Car rally expedition on the same day.

Over 60 participants from India and 4 participants from Myanmar have participated in the car rally with 17+ cars. The participants are from various fields of profession including senior government officials, entrepreneurs, businessmen, adventure sports, motor sports, media, educationists, artist and lawyers. The car rally has covered some of the most remote and spectacular places in the Northeast and Myanmar.

The event was marked by special programmes such as road shows, interactive sessions and cultural shows in several places, including the cities of Mandalay, Myanmar capital Naypyitaw, Yangon and along the road inside Myanmar. The rally also aims at promoting bilateral trade between North Eastern States of India and Myanmar through the land borders.

March 22, 2012. Press released by Shri Bijoy Phangcho, Working President, NEFIT for and on behalf of NEFIT and the Organising Committee of Indo – Myanmar Friendship  car rally -2012.

Indo – Myanmar Friendship Car Rally

Deferment of date for Indo - Myanmar Friendship Car Rally

This is a general information to all concerns that the INDO – MYANMAR FRIENDSHIP CAR RALLY which is supposed to start from 29th January to 09th February, 2012 have been Postponed and Deferred to 11 – 22 March, 2012, to accommodate the request of Participating State of Manipur which is going to poll between January 28 and 6th March, 2012 and also due to other logistic issues connected with the conduct of the Event. These new schedules of dates are proposed and announced accordingly after due consultation with our Myanmar counterparts.

We regret to notify about the change of programme and deeply apologise for any inconvenience that might have caused due to the changes caused by un-avoidable circumstances. However, we continue to seek your full co-operation and to bear with us in making the programme a grand success in March, 2012 in the interest of the country, focusing on building bilateral relations with our neighbours.

So, all confirmed and intending participants, state and central governments and officials are advised to act accordingly and also contact the Organising Committee immediately at its office located at “HOUSE NO. 1, UDAY PATH, OPPOSITE BASKIN ROBBINS, R.G. B. ROAD (ZOO ROAD), GUWAHATI -781024, ASSAM (INDIA)”.

In case, you need more assistance, please contact the following key officials –

Released for & on behalf of the Organising Committee,
Indo – Myanmar friendship car rally,
Dated Guwahati the 23rd January, 2012.

Guwahat 21st December, 2011

The Indo – Myanmar Friendship Car Rally event is presently being organised under the aegis of North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) and Assam Speed and Adventure Club (ASAC). This is the 1st international car rally event being organised between India and Myanmar which will cover a total distance of about 5000 kms over a period of 12 (twelve) days time starting from Guwahati (India) to Yangon (Myanmar) - Guwahati via Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Moreh (India), Tamu (Myanmar), Kale, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Yangon, Piyay, Bagan, Monywa, Tamu, Moreh (India), Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Nagaon and Guwahati beginning from 29th January, 2012 to 9th February, 2012, next year. Around 200 participants with 50 nos. of cars from around the country and abroad are expected to participate in the car Rally.

The main theme of the event is aiming at “mapping connectivity in the perspective of North East India and Myanmar, focusing on building bilateral relations, Culture, Tourism and Trade”.

The car rally preparations are fully underway and progressing with the supports from the Ministry of DoNER, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs of the Govt. of India, Govt. of the Republic of Union of Myanmar, Embassy of India in Yangon, Embassy of Myanmar in New Delhi, and the state governments of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

It is to be noted here that in the context of India’s “Look East Policy,” Myanmar is strategically located, which role is crucial in implementing the policy beyond the boundaries of the country. Therefore, Building ties and development of infrastructures and connectivity, signing of Trade and Transit Treaties are some steps put forward in achieving towards those directions. We believe that the car rally will definitely highlight the historical linkages in our efforts to re-establish the age old trade routes connecting India and Myanmar which has assumed great significance in the current scenario and have greater significance in the context of Look-East Policy of the Govt. of India and overland movement of people and goods between India and the entire nations of South East Asia.

NEFIT IN MYANMAR:

Recently a few of our Office bearers and members visited Mandalay and Yangon in connection with the Business Summit organized by ICC. Mr. Chandra Keshore Singh, Vice President, Mr. Mrinal Hatkhowa, General Secretary and Mr. Rajendra Singh, General Secretary, Manipur state Committee of NEFIT have attended at the meeting.

Some office members have traveled by land and riverine routes for the first time inside Myanmar, to reach the venue of the business summit held at Mandalay in September, 2010. This is done to acquire the first hand knowledge about the trade route along Indo- Myanmar friendship highway from Moreh to Mandaly. NEFIT is grateful to the govt. of India, Myanmar and the trade bodies of Myanmar who facilitated and extended help and made it possible in making the trip and the programme a grand success. We salute Indo-Myanmar friendship.

NEFIT IN THAILAND:

NEFIT office bearers led by Mr. Bijoy Phangcho, Working President, NEFIT along with some members visited Thailand from 20th September, 2010 to 30th September, 2010 to promote bilateral trade and investment between India and Thailand especially in the perspective of NE India.

NEFIT had a number of meetings and discussions with the officials of Board of Investment, OSOS Investment Centre, Department of Foreign Trade, and Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government at Bangkok during the visit.

A separate meeting was also held on 22/10/2010 in the office chamber of Mr. Saikat Sen Sharma, Secretary i/c Economic & Commerce, embassy of India, Bangkok in Thailand on various issues related with Trade & commerce and connectivity in the perspective of North East India and Thailand.

During the meet, NEFIT proposed for a joint tour to Ranong Port of southern Thailand, and to asses the feasibilities for promoting shipping lanes and the viability to operate from Ranong to other destinations especially in eastern India.

NEFIT is currently in touch with the shipping companies like East Asia Shipping Company and the Gati (Thailand) shipping company as we look for alternative shipping lane. By using the Ranong port, shippers can avoid the long journey around the Malaysian Peninsula and through the perilous Straits of Malacca infested by Pirates.
 
Second round of discussion is expected to be held in Bangkok sometime in early part of November, 2010 in which we are expecting participations from all the concerned countries, govt. representatives, shipping companies and the Trade bodies of the region.

NEFIT and its members have participated in the recently concluded THAIFEX 2010 and BIG + BIH TRADE FAIR in Bankok. The members have actively interected and held meetings at different levels with the prospective exporters of Thailand in the fair.