Rice included in border trade list
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 05 2012: In the new list of border trade items between India and Myanmar, rice has been included along with 22 other essential commodities, Minister of Commerce and Industries Govindas Konthoujam has informed during the foundation stone laying function of a multi-storeyed market complex at Moreh Ward No 2 on Wednesday.

Govindas, who presided over the function, said that the total number of Indo-Myanmar trade items has now increased from 40 to 62 with an additional 22 new essential commodities including rice.

Apart from rice, medicine, pharma equipments, automobiles and others have also been brought under the ambit of border trade.

Pointing out that importing rice or any other essential commodities from neighbouring states is still a problem; the Minister observed that now instead of importing rice from Assam, people of Manipur would be able to get better quality rice from Myanmar.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam

Moreover, once the Look East Policy is implemented, Moreh would become the gateway for all other Indian states and 9 (nine) South Asian countries.

It would also provide the people of Manipur an opportunity to boost their per capita income, Govindas said.

Concerned about frequent bandhs and general strikes in Manipur, the Minister said that if the trend continued foreign investors might stay away from investing in Manipur.

So, the Government needs the co-operation of the people in ensure peace and harmony in the State to attract foreign investments.

The Minister went on to inform that taking into consideration of possible business prospects with South East Asian countries, the Government of Manipur would start a transit permit system in consultation with central government so as to increase the volume of international trade with Thailand, Japan, China and others.

Chief Guest of the function, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam observed that Manipur is a virgin state and no one has exploited its natural and human resources.

So, it's the right time for the people of Manipur to explore these potentials.

Once the multi-storeyed market complex came into existence, then all the people of Manipur and rest of the India would have ample scope to explore new opportunities.

The new concept of development is urbanization and township.

A society could not develop itself if the people remained confining to their villages.

In today's world, border trade, township, urbanization are the factors of development, Gaikhangam said.

Gaikhangam also informed that under the supervision of Govindas, officials of Commerce and Industries department is planning to set up a township over an area of around 2500 acres at Howlenphai, adjacent to Myanmar's Tamu.

Officials of the department are preparing the project and the township would have all the facilities available in a metropolitan city.

Both the ministers along with MLAs D Korungthang, (Tengnoupal); Yamthong Haokip (Saikul) and other government officials visited the site of the proposed township.