She said huge potential exists in the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) nations for Indian manufacturers.
The Commerce and Industry Minister said India and CLMV countries are working on accelerating projects to improve port, road and air connectivity.
India and Myanmar are cooperating to connect the Bay of Bengal ports (Visakhapatnam-Krishnapatnam) and the Sittwe port (in Myanmar), Sitharaman told reporters here.
"Sittwe is a major port in Myamnmar. If Sittwe is connected with our Bay of Bengal ports, Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam and also south Chennai or even further up to Haldia, Paradaip or Dhamra, a lot of trade which goes from India to these SEA countries can go and land in Sittwe and from there go to Myanmar or CLMV countries," she said.
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It aims to improve connectivity between Indian ports on the eastern seaboard and Sittwe port in Myanmar.
This project, she said, would technically connect Kolkata through the north eastern states of India to the entire South East Asian nations.
On improving the air connectivity, she said that a lot is happening between SEA and India in this area and from Gaya airport, there is a need to give more connections.
"We want more aircraft to go from there. Also, from Assam and Guwahati airports as from other parts of India. We want to connect with the south east Asian countries...Lot of discussions are going on. These are international negotiations, so they do take time," Sitharaman added.
region, the Union Cabinet last year had cleared a proposal to create a Rs 500 crore project development fund to increase economic presence in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, which can act as gateways for market access to China and the European Union.
"Cabinet approval took a bit of a time and it is now being (done)," Sitharaman said.
She said that the SPV (special purpose vehicle) will be created in these four countries for Indian companies, who want to set up manufacturing units there.
The companies do not have to run from pillar to post for approvals or clearances "but be able to get it on a platter", she added.
Despite plenty of opportunities in the CLMV region, Indian businesses in these countries so far have been constricted due to limited information, infrastructure and other contingent risks.
The Rs 500 crore fund would benefit India's industrial community for business expansion and maintaining cost competitive supply chains, besides integrating with global production networks.
When asked about the reasons for delay in setting up of the SPV, Sitharaman said: "I do not know...I can't see any particular reasons."
Replying to a question on reducing import duty on gold, she said the Commerce Ministry always suggests its Finance counterpart for cut in the duty as it is an important raw material for the gems and jewelry sector.
On different occasions, the commerce ministry has asked for this but the Finance Ministry has to take into account the current account deficit (CAD).
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Sitharaman further said that enhancing sea, land and air connectivity with South East Asian countries features among the priorities of India which will improve trade and bilateral relations.
"If Sittwe, a major port in Myanmar is connected with India through Bay of Bengal, a lot of trade which goes from India to South East Asian countries will be easier; so the connection between India and sittwe through Bay of Bengal is something on which the government of India is working and Myanmar is also cooperating," Sitharaman told reporters.
She said the government has expedited work on the project of Kaladan trilateral transit facility which connects India with South-East Asian countries by road and has expedited work on its side.
She added that the Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal to create a Rs 500 crore project development fund to increase economic presence in the CLMV nations.