Krishna arrives in Myanmar capital for talks

From Snehesh Alex Philip
Nay Pyi Taw, Jun 21 (PTI) Indian External Affairs
Minister S M Krishna arrived here Tuesday in Myanmar's new
capital for talks with the top leaders of the newly-elected
civilian government on issues like security, trade and
economy.
Krishna, who stayed overnight in Yangon, the old
capital of Myanmar, was welcomed at the Nay Pyi Taw airport by
Dr Myo Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Party
besides other officials.
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian
Ambassador to Myanmar V S Seshadri are accompanying Krishna,
who is here on a three-day visit.
A number of bilateral agreements are also likely to be
signed at the end of a meeting with his counterpart.
Krishna will also call on the country's Vice President
Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo.
Sources said besides security cooperation, trade and
economy will also be the focus of the talks.
Bilateral trade has expanded significantly from USD
12.4 million in 1980—81 to USD 1.2 billion in 2009-10. The
trade turnover had shot up 2009-10, doubling just in two
years.
India is the fourth largest trading partner of Myanmar
after Thailand, Singapore and China. India is also the
thirteenth largest investor with an investment estimated at
USD 189 million in five projects.
However, China is the biggest investor in Myanmar with
investments totalling to about USD 9.6 billion.
Sources said India is keen to increase the trade
relations with Myanmar and help the country is carrying out
various infrastructure projects besides providing technical
training to its youth.
The sources said the minister's visit is an
opportunity to engage with the new civilian government which
took over in March.
Earlier in the day, Krishna innaugrated three of the
10 rice silos being constructed in Yangon with India's
assistance.
The rice silos are specially designed keeping in mind
the high humidity factor in the country and the frequent
spells of rain.