Myanmar seeks cooperation to tap tourism potential

Envoy says dialogue should continue for promoting religious tourism

ISLAMABAD:

Myanmar Ambassador Wunna Han has said that there is a vast potential of cooperation between Pakistan and Myanmar in the tourism sector, for which future paths can be determined.

"There is a lot of potential for tourism in the northern regions of Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan, which needs to be highlighted at the global level," the ambassador told APP on Saturday.

He described the northern regions of Pakistan as very beautiful and rich in natural beauty, which had six major mountain peaks of the world.

He said that he visited Skardu and the nearby world-famous plateau Deosai Park, adding that those places were considered among the most beautiful tourist spots whose natural beauty could be seen. The ambassador drew parallels between Gilgit-Baltistan's tourism potential and his country's cultural heritage, expressing hope that the local business community would unlock the tourism potential of the region.

Apart from that, according to the envoy, there is a lot of potential for religious tourism in Pakistan and Myanmar, for which dialogue between the two sides should continue.

Pakistan is the centre of Indus civilization, where Taxila is counted among the centres of Buddhist civilisation. Apart from Taxila, Mansehra and Swat also have Buddhist civilization, where religious tourism can be promoted.

Replying to a query about economic and trade ties between the two countries, the ambassador said that trade between Myanmar and Pakistan stood at $70 million, which was far less than the potential. Myanmar's exports to Pakistan include fruits, vegetable products, wood, seafood, jute and textile fibres. Pakistan's exports to Myanmar comprise military technology, medicament mixtures, cement, medicinal plants, leather, cotton fabrics and electro-medical apparatus.

It is pertinent to mention that in January 2012, then president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, visited Myanmar with focus on enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.

During the visit, the Pakistani side proposed a preferential trade agreement along with a free trade agreement. The establishment of a joint ministerial commission as well as cooperation in the oil and gas sector was also proposed.

A bilateral agreement in science and technology exists between the two countries, which was inked during former president General Pervez Musharraf's visit to Myanmar in May 2001.