S M Krishna leaves for Myanmar on a 3-day visit

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today left for Yangon on the first high-level official visit from India since the civilian government took over in Myanmar.

The three-day visit will focus on a number of issues relating to bilateral relations with Myanmar, which is now ruled by a civilian government after several years of military rule. Krishna is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

Commerce and economic relations are expected to be high on the agenda of talks Krishna will have with the country`s President, Vice President, the Speaker and his counterpart.

India attaches great significance to its ties with Mynamar, given its strategic location in the region and proximity to China.

Bilateral trade has expanded significantly from USD 12.4 million in 1980-81 to USD 1.2 billion.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 13th largest investor with an investment estimated at USD 189 million in five projects.

Indian investment ranges from oil and gas sector to hydroelectric power, railways, electric power among others