Myanmar traders in town to discuss border trade

The officials and traders of Myanmar reached Imphal yesterday. Today they attended a day-long interaction programme at the conference hall of the State Guest House with a view to promote the border trade.

Speaking at the interaction programme, U Aye Ko secretary of Union of Myanmar Border Traders Chamber of Commerce said that between April 2006 and January 2007, there were 76 days of disturbances to border trade with Manipur.

He said that if the disturbances are frequent, traders on the other side of the border would have to opt for other more lucrative trading points. He warned that border trade should not be neglected.

He also highlighted some of the proposals that were made in regard to border trade. Included among these were proposals to choose Manipur, Assam and Mizoram as partners for border trade, to increase the number of exchangeable items from 22, etc.

U Hla Maung, president Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce said that the delegations` visit aimed to promote Indo-Myanmar trade by focusing on development of border trade and across border trade.

State Commerce and Industries principal secretary PC Lawmkunga, Commerce and Industries director Dhiraj Yumnam and Indo-Myanmar Border Traders` Union president W Nabachandra were the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

The chief guest informed that Moreh has been identified as one of the four most important border trade centres of the country. Consequently, he stressed the need to promote trade and relation through mutual understanding and cooperation.

Lawmkunga said that since the opening in 1995, this border trade has seen many ups and downs and the prolonged problems of insurgency in North-East made border trade difficult.

The principal secretary said that the government of India as well as Manipur are making efforts to keep the border trade alive and thriving.

In the presidential address, Nabachandra said that the interaction will discuss threadbare the hindrances faced by the traders. He was of the opinion that the frequent bandh and blockade in Manipur is the main hindrance to flourishing foreign trade.

He said that without the support of banks and other financial institutions, the Indo-Myanmar trade is employing nearly 15% of Manipur`s educated youths directly or indirectly.

Before leaving Imphal, the 32-member delegations will call upon the Dr SS Sidhu, Governor of Manipur and Jarnail Singh, chief secretary. The interaction is being organised by Indo-Myanmar Border Traders` Union in association with Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.

Sources: KANGLAONLINE