Declining border trade cause for concern

They also cautioned that trade between the two countries in Moreh will come down drastically once the trade points in Mizoram and Nagaland in northeast India come into being.

A trade delegation from Burma comprising traders and officials during their maiden visit to Indian states in the 12 years of trade between the two countries, voiced this sentiment.

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 disruption in border trade with Manipur. He said that if disruptions 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. Talking to Mizzima, he said, "If the situation does not improve trade might go to others Indian border states like Mizoram or Nagaland".

In a brief interaction before he and his colleagues left Imphal for Guwahati, he also highlighted some of the proposals that were made in regard to border trade. Among them were choosing Manipur, Assam and Mizoram as partners in border trade, and to increase the number of exchangeable items from 22.

"Myanmar traders are now trying to export betel nuts as part of normal trade so that trade can be promoted by exporters and importers registered with the Union bank and have import-export code numbers and occupational chances. Traders should not depend on brokers," he said.

Sharing a similar view, U Hla Maung, President of the same Chamber of Commerce said that the Burmese delegation's visit aimed to promote Indo-Burma trade by focusing on development of border and cross border trade.

"Myanmar being an agro-based country, import of fertilizer is the need of the hour.

So we are requesting Indian traders to propose trading of fertilizer not only as a trade item but as support for development of Myanmar's agricultural sector," he said.

The demand for India made fertilizer is very high in Burma. Indian traders are expected to share the problems faced by their Burmese counterparts.

Some Indian traders said that they are ready to draw the attention of the Indian authorities in Delhi to consider the issue so that special permission could be granted to traders for export of fertilizer to Burma.

"After their trip, we have decided to request the government authorities to do the needful," said O Ranjit, an Indian trader.

PC Lawmkunga Principal Secretary to the Manipur State Commerce and Industries Department is also likely to extend necessary help to traders from both sides.

Before leaving Imphal, the 32-member delegation will call on the Dr S S Sidhu, Governor of Manipur and Jarnail Singh, Chief Secretary of the state.

The 10-day trip of the Burmese delegation is being organised by the Indo-Burma Border Traders Union in association with the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.

Sources: MIZZIMA