NEW DELHI (May 31) — Myanmar stands as a strategic "land bridge" capable of connecting India's economic growth potential to ASEAN and China, and will foster a long-term, mutually beneficial "win-win" situation through bilateral cooperation, stated the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Min Aung Hlaing.

He highlighted these points during the Myanmar-India Trade and Investment Dialogue held this morning at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, India. The high-level meeting was attended by Union Ministers and representatives from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) on the Myanmar side, as well as officials and investors from prominent Indian business organizations such as FICCI and CII.

The President's current official visit aims to further strengthen India's "Act East Policy" and "Neighbourhood First Policy" while accelerating regional economic cooperation. Currently, the bilateral trade volume averages around USD 1.5 billion annually. He extended an invitation to Indian investors to manufacture key Indian export items—such as iron and steel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals—directly within Myanmar.

In particular, he explained that since Myanmar imports approximately 60 percent of its pharmaceutical needs from India, there are ample opportunities for investment in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. Furthermore, he emphasized the potential for cooperation in food production and value-added agriculture and livestock sectors by combining Myanmar's vast agricultural land with India's dairy production technology.

Regarding infrastructure and connectivity, the President underscored that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway are key initiatives that will open up not only bilateral trade but also the broader ASEAN-India economic corridor. Consequently, he noted that there are promising investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Logistics Hubs along these economic corridors. He also invited Indian IT companies to invest in the Yatanarpon Cyber City project near Pyin Oo Lwin.

To facilitate smoother trade and investment, the Rupee-Kyat direct payment system utilizing the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA), which was launched in 2024, is significantly supporting the bilateral economy. During the dialogue, respective Union Ministers provided detailed clarifications in response to inquiries from Indian businesspeople regarding relaxed regulations on financial transfers and taxation systems.

In conclusion, the President assured international investors that Myanmar successfully formed a newly elected government on April 10, and is firmly advancing on the path of a multi-party democracy. Affirming that "Responsible Investments"—which emphasize a balance between ecology and economy—will be fully protected, he urged Indian entrepreneurs to invest and operate in Myanmar with confidence.