Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal addresses
NADI dialogue in Guwahati on May 28, 2022. (Photo/PIB)
Guwahati: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal today advocated for an ecologically responsible economic growth in the South east Asian region.
He was speaking at the Special Plenary session in the 3rd edition of NADI dialogue organised by Asian Confluence here.
The Union Minister highlighted the time tested and historical ties that the Northeast India has built with the South east Asian countries along with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Sonowal also spoke about the role played by the great Chaolung Sukapha in building the greater Assamese society and how his endeavours eventually led to the foundation of the state of Assam.
“We have an opportunity here to become partners as the Indian Ocean becomes the centre of the emerging ‘Age of Asia’. This new awakening is a recognition of our interlinked destinies, interdependence for a cleaner environment and in our belief of shared opportunities. We, who live in & around our Indian Ocean, must own & bear primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the region’.”
Speaking on the Act East policy of the Government, the Minister further said, “Our government remains deeply committed to this policy and, at the heart of this, are the ASEAN countries. A deeper economic integration with the dynamic South East Asian Nations , is an important aspect of our Act East Policy.”
He said that the ‘Blue Economy’ is a promising new pillar of prosperity in the region, with immense economic and employment potential.
“India is seeking a more cooperative and integrated future for the region through development of the ocean-based blue economy. A distinct feature of the Blue Economy lies in harnessing of marine resources for economic and social development and environmental sustainability without undermining the conservation and restocking aspects of these finite natural resources.”
The session was also attended by Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India; Jigme Thinlye Namgya, Consul General of Bhutan; Dato Alaihuddin Mohd Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to India; Ung Sean, Ambassador of Cambodia to India; Ms Ina H. Krisnamurthi, Ambassador of Indonesia to India; Bounneme Chouanghom, Ambassador of Lao PDR to India; Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India; Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar to India; Ramon S Bagatsing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to India; Simon Wong Wie Kuen, High Commissioner of Singapore to India; Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India; Pham Sanh Chau, Ambassador of Vietnam to India along with other dignitaries and eminent people. (Press Release)
