Mizoram wants to use Ctg port
Mizoram, a northeastern state of India, wants to use Bangladesh's Chattogram port to increase bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said yesterday.
"The Indian state wants to use the premier Bangladeshi port to increase trade with us."
Munshi informed the media about the development after a meeting with R Lalthangliana, Mizoram's minister for health, education and commerce, at the secretariat yesterday.
Bangladesh and Mizoram have around 319 common bordering areas, most of which suffer from landlock and poor connectivity. As a result, the volume and value of formal trade between Bangladesh and Mizoram is still very low.
The Mizoram government has expressed interest to open four border haats so that the people in those areas can enjoy the benefits of bilateral trade, Munshi said.
"We plan to open at least one border haat with Mizoram soon. I will visit the state next month and in May so that we can open the border haat," Munshi told reporters at a press conference.
There is a possibility of opening a border haat at the Sajek or Degamukh area of Bangladesh, the commerce minister said, adding that a decision would be taken after visiting the spots.
Munshi also said that Mizoram wants to construct a 666-metre bridge at Borofkol in Rangamati for direct connectivity with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh will also consider constructing the proposed bridge as the country wants more business with the Seven Sister States of India.
There is a 18 to 19-kilometre river route from Mizoram, which connects Bangladesh's Rangamati, Munshi said, adding that Mizoram will use this route to enter Chattogram port.
Bangladesh could immensely benefit from increased trade with Mizoram as this Indian state is a major source for stone, ginger, chilly, bamboo, sugar, cement, banana and teak wood.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is a major source for garments, cosmetics, fish, meat, electronic goods, cooking oil, toiletries and processed food.
Mizoram continued business with Myanmar by taking an independent decision as the Indian central government authorised this power in an agreement with the Mizoram provincial government in 1986.
So, the state can also continue business with Bangladesh independently, Munshi added.
Lalthangliana demanded a joint inspection of the Degamukh area for setting up a border haat.
"We will have to start a trade centre," he said.
Bangladesh is an extremely important trading partner for Mizoram and this is why increasing trade is extremely important, Lalthangliana added.
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