Sonowal calls for collaboration between ASEAN-BBN nations

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday said a mutual collaboration between the ASEAN and BBN countries can go a long way in auguring a friendly landscape prevailing in South and South East Asian countries.

Interacting with the ambassadors and high commissioners of ASEAN and BBN countries on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here, Sonowal said unity among ASEAN and BBN countries can transform the region into an era of shared prosperity.

The ASEAN and BBN countries need to meet frequently and work on a common agenda, he said.

Stating that India and ASEAN have recently celebrated 25 years of dialogue partnership, Sonowal said the entire region should work for growth-centric mutual cooperation.

In the last four years, the Act East Policy resulted in much greater traction in the cooperation in all sectors -- economic, socio-cultural or connectivity, he said.

India's trade with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached 81 billion Dollars ..