Dy CM paves way for Moreh market
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 05 2012: Along with laying the foundation stone for a multi-storeyed market complex at Moreh Ward No 2 today, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam also inspected a site at Haolen Phai village of the border town for development of a satellite town.

The market complex would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and MANIDCO would be the implementing agency.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Gaikhangam said that the market complex is a component of India's Look East Policy and would have items produced by both India and Myanmar.

Calling upon the people to contribute their mite in the smooth and successful implementing of the project and consequently reap benefits out of Look East Policy, he also described the proposed market complex as a turning point for overall development of the region.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam laying the foundation stone

Accepting that for years there had been no real benefit out of the ongoing border trade as many items that could generate income for the Government are being traded in a stealthy manner, the Deputy CM affirmed that inspite of facing huge challenge the Government of Manipur is determined to translate border trade activities into a viable venture for the State's development.

Noting cosmopolitan composition of the Moreh populace and suggesting that sincerity and commitment of community leaders are essential to derived benefits out of the international trade, he also maintained that broad-mindedness of the citizens is an essential quality to achieve goals of development.

Expressing that Moreh is a vital gateway for strengthening trade relationships with the South East Asian countries, Gaikhangam affirmed that Moreh will certainly attract a number of entrepreneurs in the coming years.

Stressing on the need to do away with the culture of bandh/blockade for such disruptive acts only compound misery of the common people, he said need of the hour is for sanity and sensibility by every section of the society for economic development of Manipur could be guaranteed only when there is no disturbance to free movement of goods and traders.

Gaikhangam also informed that the total number of trade items have been increased to 63 with the addition of 22 new items, including medicines and rice while conveying that efforts are on to include electronic items in the trade list.

Earlier in the day, Gaikhangam surveyed Haolen Phai village areas in connection with the development of a satellite town.

It is said that the Government of Manipur had already earmarked an area of 2500 acres for the project.

MLAs D Korungthang, Yamthong Haokip, Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) O Nabakishore and ADC Chandel chairman Loukhosei Zou also accompanied the Deputy CM.