Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03:
In consonance with the division bench ruling of Gauhati High Court and on completion of formalities, trade in timber procured from Myanmar would resume after September 20, president of Indo-Myanmar Friendship Chamber of Commerce, Moreh, M Indrasen told news-persons at the Press Club today.
The confusion that had gripped the timber traders following a Supreme Court ruling banning logging and timber trade has subsided as per the High Court ruling of June 8 favoring continuation of trade in timber imported from the neighboring Myanmar, he said.
Indrasen also informed that Court has ruled that customs duties would be levied on timbers imported from Myanmar thereby virtually ruling out previous practice of paying taxes to the State forest Department.
Another important factor resulting in resumption of timber trade is approval of Myanmar Trade Council for timber export to India, he added.
The entrepreneur also alleged that due to incompetence of the State Government trade volumes under the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade agreement could not gain momentum on the Indian side.
The main reason for the dismal level of trade is deplorable surface communication along the Imphal-Moreh route where instead of a two hour journey it takes 7/8 hours, Indrasen observed.
On the other hand, lack of proper banking system and telecommunication bottlenecks can also be cited some of the other reasons for a border State like Manipur not being able to make any visible progress in matters concerning trade and commerce, he maintained while mooting adequate Govt attention to encourage importers/exporters to capitalize on the border trade potential.