India, Myanmar agree on border haats
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2011:
With a view to facilitating border trade between the two countries through Moreh and Namphalong, India and Myanmar have agreed in principle to open three border haats.
The two countries arrived at an understanding towards this end at a meeting of the countries on the export-import trade which was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India at Delhi on September 26 .
The two sides also expressed a common opinion that the most feasible trade route between India and Myanmar is through Moreh.
The sites proposed for opening border haats at the meeting were Konkan Thana in Ukhrul district, New Somtal in Chandel district and Bihang in Churachandpur district.
The Indian delegates led by a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry included officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, DoNER Ministry and ONGC as well as the OSD Import-Export, Directorate of Commerce and Industry, Government of Manipur.
The meeting further agreed in principle to increase the number of sanctioned trade items and also to introduce bus service between bus service between Imphal and Mandalay.
The two sides also deliberated on extending the trans-border trade to Thailand with Myanmar serving as the transit country.
Notably, a proposal for opening border haats at Konkan Thana, New Somtal and Bihang was sent by the State Chief Secretary to the DoNER Secretary in March this year.
The Chief Secretary's proposal was forwarded to the Indian Foreign Secretary by the DoNER Secretary.