India-ASEAN air connectivity needs more attention: Sonowal
New Delhi, 14 Sep 2021 (PTI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said air connectivity between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) needs more attention to promote tourism in the unexplored areas of the region. .
The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways called for expediting the regional connectivity project with ASEAN countries to enhance bilateral trade.
“We need to focus more on air connectivity between India and ASEAN to promote tourism in the unexplored areas of the region,” he said.
The Minister said this while addressing a conference of industry body FICCI on the topic of future India-ASEAN connectivity partnership.
“In addition, we are also looking forward to review the agreement at an early date, which will help in achieving real trade potential between the two sides,” Sonowal said.
The review is expected to cover issues such as customs procedures and further liberalization of trade.
The minister said that out of the 10 ASEAN countries, only five countries – Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand – have direct flight services to India. While there is no direct flight with the other five countries including Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
He said Indonesia and the Philippines are the two major countries with which India has substantial trade and tourism interests.
Sonowal said, “We believe that transformation in situation is possible only through change in things and if this is to be achieved then contact and communication is essential.”
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