AIZAWL:
In a positive move towards the much-awaited Indo-Bangladesh border trade, the governments of Mizoram and Bangladesh signed a joint statement at Aizawl on April 25.
While Bangladesh commerce minister Tipu Munshi signed the joint statement on behalf of his government, R Lalthangliana, minister of Commerce and Industries, signed on behalf of the Mizoram government.
“After careful examination of the possibility and viability for setting up of border haats at Silsury (India) – Sajek (Bangladesh), the Bangladesh government may convey formal approval through diplomatic channel. It will be an endeavour of both sides to capitalise on the potentiality of a thriving border trade regime through establishment of critical trade infrastructure at viable locations,” the statement read.
The Mizoram government, in the statement, set out a proposal for the Bangladesh government to explore the possibility and viability of setting up a matching infrastructure in the form of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Thegamukh, adjacent to the ICP being developed at Kawrpuichhuah, in order to synchronize efforts to formalize trade on both sides.
“Upon receipt of written request through diplomatic channel from the Mizoram government, this proposal will be forwarded to the relevant ministry concerned,” the statement said.
The Mizoram government also proposed that in order to upgrade connectivity, the government of Bangladesh may consider the possibility of constructing a road of 17 km from Chhota Horin to Thegamukh. It also requested that Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) river may be included in one of the routes on the Indo-Bangladesh protocol on Inland Water Transit and trade, and for the proposals to be forwarded to the relevant Ministry.
The Mizoram government further stated that efforts will be made from its side to expedite the work on the proposed 660m river bridge that connects the two countries across the river Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli).
“The relevant ministry of Bangladesh may communicate, upon receiving communication from the Ministry of Commerce, its position regarding the construction of such a bridge,” the statement said.
Munshi and his team arrived in Mizoram on April 22 on a three-day visit to take stock of proposed border trade projects.