Imphal, September 29: Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh has announced that free trade would be introduced in place of the current border trade on 22 selected items between India and neighbouring country Myanmar.

However, no third country would be allowed to enter th trade.

The Union Minister who arrived here yesterday on a three day official visit inspected the development works being taken up in connection with the border trade at Moreh today.

Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi, Health Minister DK Korungthang, Director of Ministry of Home Affairs (Border Management), Senior Manager of IBD and UBI, Kolkata PP Singh, Customs Commissioner RD Negi and Principal Secretary (Commerce) PC Lawnkunga were among the people who accompanied the Union Minister during the inspection tour.

Soon after arriving at the border town of Moreh, Jairam inaugurated a 40 metric tonne capacity weight bridge constructed by MANIDCO near Moreh Gate number 1. The weight bridge was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakhs under ASIDE scheme of the Commerce and Industries Ministry, Government of India.

Later the Union Minister inspected the condition of the office of Land Customs and Station and Moreh Hospital.

Later, participating in a meeting held at the convention hall of Moreh Trade Centre , the Union Minister declared that the existing border trade between the two neighbouring countries on 22 selected items would be stopped and free trade of all the items available in the border post will be introduced from now on.

However, no third country will be allowed to take part in the border trade, he added.

The Union Minister further announced that India Government has a plan to construct a modern integrated customs and land building at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crores at Moreh for further development of border trade.

He also entrusted Principal Secretary (Commerce) PC Lawnkunga to identify a plot of land measuring not less than 50 acres which will be required for the purpose.

While accepting the proposal raised by NGOs for organising International Trade Fair, the Union Minister also directed the authorities concerned to submit the necessary report so that an International Trade Fair can be organised in November 2007.The Union Minister further noted that a 15-day long training programme on import and export under Indian Institute of Foreign Trade might be conducted as part of the Trade fair.

On the issues put up from the sides of Indo Myanmar Border Trade Union, Jairam Ramesh said that the Centre has already given its nod to introduce bus service from Moreh to Mandalay.

However, as for air cargo services from Imphal to other States of India, the Union Minister pointed out, it would be appropriate to discuss the matter only after there is adequate products and cold storage facilities.

The Union Minister also assured that Government of India would provide subsidy in transportation of Sericultural products from Manipur to other Indian States.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the condition of the National Highway 39, specially from Imphal to Moreh, Jairam said the manner of implementing the road work for which India Government had sanctioned Rs 15 lakhs is not commendable.

So it would be better to hand over the task to BRO, he added.

As to the appeal made by ADC Moreh drawing the attention of the Union Minister for fencing the border in view of the prevailing law and order and insurgency problem at Moreh, the Director of Border Management of Ministry of Home Affairs replied that survey work is currently being carried out border fencing by next year.

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