Trade with Tripura doubles

Trade between Tripura and Bangladesh almost doubled to Rs 300 crore in the current fiscal year from Rs 163 crore in the previous fiscal year, while export of eight Bangladeshi items registered a fivefold rise this year.
Indian media quoting Tripura Commerce Minister Jitendra Chowdhury said the export business of Tripura with Bangladesh was recorded at Rs 1.51 crore in 2007-08, and in the next two years the trade volume reduced to Rs 32 lakh and Rs 42 lakh respectively.
But in 2009-10, the amount increased fivefold to Rs 2 crore, Chowdhury was quoted as saying.
The import from Bangladesh has increased over the years, Chowdhury said, adding that in 2010-11 Tripura imported goods worth Rs 294 crore from Bangladesh. The amount was Rs 163 crore in 2009-10, Rs 129 crore in 2008-09 and Rs 84 crore in 2007-08.
He, however, pointed out that the Union Home Ministry was considering the proposals of starting border huts to boost border trade between Tripura and Bangladesh, while the launch of flight on Agartala-Dhaka-Chittagong route was also on active consideration of the civil aviation ministry.
To enhance the connectivity, both sides have already finalised the alignment of Agartala-Akhaura railway link and technical survey would begin soon.
India will spend Rs 146 crore for track laying work in Bangladesh side, and Rs 105 crore would be spent for construction in Indian side, the Tripura minister added.