Bangladesh, Mizoram agree to build infra for border trade

Aizawl, Apr 25 (PTI) Governments of Bangladesh and Mizoram on Monday said y will take steps to build infrastructure, including integrated check posts and road connectivity, to realise potential of border trade between two neighbours.

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Mizoram's Industry Minister Dr R Lalthangliana held a meeting here on various issues of proposed border trade.

"After careful examination of possibility and viability for setting up of border 'haat' (market place) at Silsury (India) - Sajek (Bangladesh), government of Bangladesh may convey formal approval through diplomatic channel," a joint statement issued by authorities said.

Munshi said Sheikh Hasina government is keen on developing better relations with India, especially with rastern states, for ecomic development.

proposed border trade will help strengn relationship between two countries, he said at a joint press conference.

During meeting of two ministers, Mizoram government proposed that authorities in neighbouring country may "explore possibility and viability of setting up of matching infrastructure in form of integrated check post (ICP) at gamukh" on ir side, adjacent to ICP being developed at Kawrpuichhuah in south Mizoram's Lunglei district, in order to synchronise efforts to formalise trade on both sides, joint statement said.

state government also urged Bangladesh authorities to explore possibility of constructing a 17-km road from Chhota Horin to gamukh in neighbouring country to improve connectivity between two neighbours.

It also proposed to include Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) river in one of routes on India - Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade.

During meeting of two ministers, both sides agreed to make an endeavour to capitalise on potentiality of a thriving border trade regime through establishment of critical trade infrastructure at viable locations, statement said.

Asserting that Bangladesh government is making efforts for border trade with Mizoram, Munshi said initiative will ecomically benefit both neighbours.

"Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very interested in maintaining a good relationship with rast region of India and has a soft corner for Mizoram," Munshi told reporters here.

He stated that imports of vegetables and various local products such as tamarind, chilli, and bamboo items from Mizoram, could be possible, while Bangladesh can also export plastic products, steel, cement, and garments to rastern state.

Although trade items will be considered based on needs of people, he said.

"Bangladesh is sincere to its bordering countries," Munshi added.

minister of neighbouring country also said that plans are being conceived to carry out bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Mizoram through road transport and waterways.

"We will improve road connectivity and waterway transport," he said.

six-point joint statement also mentioned that Mizoram government will make efforts from its side to expedite work on proposed 660-metre concrete bridge over Khawthlangtuipui river in south Mizoram's Lunglei district to connect Kawrpuichhuah with Bangladesh.

two ministers had on April 23 jointly visited and verified sites for proposed border 'haat' at Silsury in western Mizoram’s Mamit district and an integrated check post, which is being developed at Kawrpuichhuah in Tlabung sub-division in state near India-Bangladesh border.

Three Mizoram districts- Lunglei, Mamit and Lawngtlai - share a 318-km long international border with Bangladesh. PTI COR BDC BDC