Imphal, May 17: Chief minister O Ibobi Singh has stated in the Assembly today that several measures are being taken up by both the Centre and SPF government for promoting of the trade ties with south East Asian countries besides expanding the existing IndoMyanmar border trade.

Elaborating on the issue the CM said volume of Indo-Myanmar trade during 2006-07 transacted at Tamu on the Myanmar side and Moreh in Chandel district was Rs 62.13 crore for export and Rs 1.78 crore for import.

the government plans to enhance the international border trade with an eye on the future, O Ibobi said while adding that a project proposal of Rs 200 crores for development of infrastructure of border trade has already been sent to the Union ministry of Commerce and Industries for implementation.

Both the centre and state Governments are also keen to boost border trade items from the earlier 22 fixed items.

Bicycles, cotton, stainless steel, agarbati, perfumeries, cosmetics, garments, mosquito coils, X-ray papers, ready made garments, spices etc that are highly demanded by Myanmar might be included in the trade list, he said.

The State government is also focusing on acquiring 45.50 acres of plot in Moreh town for development of border trade infrastructure, the CM said adding a letter of credit between UBI bank representing India and Myanmarese Economic Bank would be in operation in addition to establishing a telephone hot line between the two financial institutions very soon.

It may be recalled that Indo�Myanmar border trade was inaugurated on April 12, 1995 at Moreh town for which 22 items were recommended as exportimport items.

Union minister of state for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, during his visit to Moreh in September last had assessed trade activities besides inaugurating a 40 MT capacity weigh bridge at Land custom station, Moreh.

Comment