Surchandra stresses significance of border trade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 17 2014 : MLA Y Surchandra has said that there is a need for strengthening Bangladesh, China, India Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which would economically transform the North Eastern Region of India, Bangladesh, Mandalay and Sagaing Region of Myanmar and Yunan Province of China.

This was stated by the MLA while speaking at India Product Display organised by Indo-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Mandalay.

He said that the Look-East Policy of the Government of India is now gaining importance through constant engagements by the Government of India with the authorities of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) .

Recent events like ASEAN-India Car Rally and ASEAN-India Summit level meetings have brought India closer to the nations of the ASEAN, he said.

Manipur, which is the gateway to the South East Asia and far east enjoys unparalleled advantage being on the Asian Highway No 1 and Asian Highway No 2 .

Moreh - Indo-Myanmar Border Town on National Highway in January 2012 :: Pix - Jinendra Maibam

The MLA said that the upcoming free trade agreement in services and investments between India and ASEAN would put Manipur at the forefront of trade and commerce.

He expressed belief that the economic integration of North-Eastern India with the ASEAN countries would accelerate now, he added.

Same advantage would be for Tamu district of Myanmar which is located in the far west of Myanmar bordering Manipur, he observed.

Saying that the border-trade between India and Myanmar through Moreh and Tamu is growing very fast, the MLA said that both formal and informal trade between India and Myanmar are taking place at the Land Custom Station of Moreh in Manipur.

An Integrated Check Post is also coming up at Moreh to facilitate trade and commerce, as well as, movement of goods and people across India-Myanmar border, the MLA said.

He also invited the business community to take advantage of the border trade facility at Moreh, where 62 items can be imported and exported by paying a nominal customs duty of 5 percent.

In addition to these items, there are lot of other products from countries like China, Thailand, Korea, etc going to Manipur and rest of India through Myanmar without being legalised, he said.

Saying that some products from India are being exported to Asian countries through Myanmar, Surchandra said that it would be better to formally allow by the Myanmar Government to use Myanmar as a transit route.

Maintaining that Manipur is well connected with the rest of the country having an International Airport with night landing facility, Surchandra proposed flights between Imphal and Monywa, Imphal and Mandalay, Imphal and Yangon, Imphal and Kalemyo to promote trade, tourism, business and investment.

He also said that Manipur is very keen to start Imphal-Mandalay and Mandalay-Imphal bus service to bring the people of Myanmar and India closer.

The bus service would not only be economical for the people of both sides to travel, but it would also promote trade, tourism and people to people contact.

Government of India is ready.

He expressed hope that the Myanmar authority may agree to the proposed bus service between Mandalay and Imphal as early as possible.

Manipur is suitable for varieties of fruits and vegetables, exotic rice like Chakhao (black rice), aromatic and medicinal plants.

Food Processing Industry is one of the important sectors for investment.

A number of incentives for investment is available in Manipur.

Besides, incentives under North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2007(NEIIPP), Manipur has State Mission for Food Processing to extend assistance to entrepreneurs, he said.

The Government of Manipur has come out with a new Industrial & Investment Policy in 2013.There are different type of subsidies and incentives under this Policy.

The Government would provide necessary gap funding to make your projects viable, he said.

The power situation has improved, and other support infrastructure like Industrial Estate is in the pipeline.

A Food Park near Imphal City is nearing completion.

In addition, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Multi Products to facilitate the establishment of new industrial units is being created in Manipur along Asian Highway -1 at a distance of about 60 Km from Tamu of Myanmar.

The State of Manipur is well known for its fine handloom and handicraft products.

Manipur Handloom products are suitable for making home furnishing products.

Manipuri silk is well-known for its fine quality.

Business community may like to import and export to meet the demand in other states of India and other Asian markets, he said.

The tourism potential of Manipur is yet to be exploited.

It is described as a Jewel in the crown of India.

The rich cultural heritage of the State combined with the beauty of nature in its splendour are the ingredients available for tourism.

Business community may take advantage of the potential by setting up hotels and resorts, Surchandra said.

Manipur has identified Information Technology as a priority sector and have set-up a separate IT Department.

An IT Park at the existing Software Technology Park for Information Centre, Imphal is being set up.

The growth centre area will be integrated with the IT Park.

The State is also in the process of setting up a Timber Park to manufacture high value furniture in Manipur.

Besides, a gems & jewellery Park, Bamboo Park, etc.

are in the pipeline, he said.