A FRIENDLY, non-competitive car rally will be held in April that will pass through Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and India and will feature participants from those countries, said an official from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“The aim of the event will be to develop relations among these countries, including the promotion of trade and tourism,” the official said, adding that the exact dates of the event are still under discussion.

He said 18 cars will be taking part in the rally, including three from each country and six support vehicles.

The rally will cover about 2500 kilometres (1500 miles) over 10 days, starting in Kunming, China, passing through Myanmar and Bangladesh, and ending in Kolkata, India.

Plans call for the cars to enter Myanmar through the Ruili-Muse border crossing in Shan State and exit through the Tamu-Morei crossing in Sagaing Division, the official said.

The rally will cover a total of 962 kilometres (598 miles) in Myanmar, passing through Muse, Kutkai, Hseni, Lashio, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay, Monywa, Kalewa and Kalemyo, he said.