The Indian port in Sittwe, located in the Rakhine State, is an integral component of the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport project, developed by the Indian government. It was inaugurated on May 9 at 9:00 a.m.

On May 4, a sizable cargo ship transporting cement bags departed from Kolkata (Calcutta) port in India and successfully arrived at Sittwe Jetty in Myanmar. The opening ceremony was attended by officials from both India and Myanmar.

Aung Aung, chairman of the Rakhine State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "Currently, the direct trade between Rakhine State and India shows promising prospects, but it requires concerted efforts to ensure its success. It may not be possible immediately. There will be a lot of easing on both sides. Because we need to make it possible for everyone to participate.”

The opening ceremony was attended by the presence of Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur from India, along with the Indian ambassador and officials. Joining them were Deputy Prime Minister of the Military Council from Myanmar, General Tin Aung San, Minister of Transport and Communications, as well as officials from the State Military Council. Notably, officials from the Rakhine State Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Rakhine businessmen also attended the event.

According to the Rakhine businessmen, the authorities, traders, and businessmen face a weakness due to the insufficient quality of products from Rakhine state that can be exported to India.

Rakhine businessman U Khin Maung Gyi said, "Both the government and the merchant side have not fully recognized the economic potential that this port can unlock for us. The inability to effectively plan and promote the production of mung beans and pigeon peas highlights the weakness of the government, as well as the traders and businessmen in Rakhine State."

According to Ko Kyaw Min Khaing, a social activist from Rakhine, he believes that India will not

be content with the current situation, since the primary objective of the Kaladan project is to establish connectivity with Mizoram, a state located in the northeast of India.

"It is indeed a positive development to have the opportunity to open an Indian port. However, to ensure a meaningful impact, I have doubts regarding the government's willingness and responsibility to prioritize the interests of the people," he said.

Currently, the Sittwe-India port has become an internationally recognized trading port.

The India-Myanmar Friendship Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport project aims to establish a connection between Kolkata Port and Sittwe Port through a waterway leading to Paletwa in Chin State. Furthermore, the project aims to establish a road link from Paletwa Port to Mizoram State in order to facilitate connectivity with Northeast India.Currently, the implementation of the Paletwa-Mizoram highway is also underway.

For the entire Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport project, India has invested US$484 million in the project.