ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul flagged off the first ever tri-nation (India-Myanmar-Thailand) friendship car rally for re-establishing cultural and historical linkages. The international car rally would also mark the 25th commemorative year of the India-ASEAN friendship.
Pul expressed confidence that the rally would further strengthen ties between the nations. A fleet of seven cars out of total 12 vehicles were flagged off from Itanagar bound for Bangkok in Thailand covering a distance of 7,000 km over a period of 19 days till June 9 next.
It will traverse through some of the important cities of Yangon, Mandalay in Myanmar and Chiang Mai, Bangkok. Rest of the cars in the rally would join the fleet in Karbi Anglong (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland) and Imphal (Manipur).
The route of the fleet originating from Itanagar would travel through Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, Imphal (Manipur), Kalemiyo, Mandalay, Taunggi and Keng Tung in Myanmar, Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok in Thailand and would culminate at Bangkok.
The state department of Tourism and Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) are the two teams from Arunachal Pradesh participating in the tri-nation car rally. The first ever rally is being organized by the North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) in association with Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI) of Myanmar, Federation of Thai industries Bangkok Thailand with support and cooperation of state department of Tourism.
Speaking to mediapersons, 'Minister Counsellor' Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, Tharadol Thongruang expressed hope that the event would foster friendship, strategic partnerships and bilateral relationship and develop tourism potential and enhance the scope of economic prosperity of these countries.
NEFIT General Secretary Mrinal Hatkhowa informed that the rally is being organized in sync with India's 'Look East Policy' and aims to connect the state of Arunachal Pradesh and other NE states with ASEAN neighbours for showcasing the unique tourism potential, trade and business promotion and exploration expedition.