Development of border trade on Centre's radar: Governor

Itanagar, Mar 25 (UNI) The Centre is taking interest in opening up border trade with South East Asian countries through Arunachal Pradesh to boost the economic development in the state.

Governor General(Retd) J J Singh, who was on a day-long visit to Pangsau Pass at the Indo-Myanmar border yesterday, commented that cross-border relation would attribute a new chapter to the economic growth of Arunachal Pradesh.

The historic Stilwel Road (now NH 153), passing through Changlang district, would link India with the SE Asian countries and bring about development in border trade, official sources here informed.

''The top priority in my personal agenda is to develop the road to meet international standard and I am taking up the issue with the Central authorities,'' he disclosed.

''Next to the power sector, Arunachal Pradesh has scope in tourism and to develop this sector should be made mandatory,'' he said.

The governor's visit to Pangsau Pass would be a major boost to materialise the Centre's "Look East Policy", which significantly moved ahead after the visit of Union Minister of State for Comerce Jairam Ramesh on November 24 last to inaugurate the border trade center (BTC) at Nampong, a small town near the Indo-Myanmar border.

Talking to Myanmarese army officials, the governor elaborated that the Indo-Myanmar affinity exists since many decades and efforts were being made to further strengthen the relationship.

''To navigate the Indo-Myanmar relation to the next level, all possible endeavors are being initiated by the Centre,'' he stated while extending his graritude to all Myanmarese officials for their hospitability during his visit.

''We need to encourage our people to opt for commercial medicinal plant and orchid farming,'' the Governor said while interacting with government officials at Nampong.

He further stressed on the need to work for the welfare of the local populace and concentrate on the economic uplift of the people.

Earlier, the governor, while interacting with the teaching community encouraged them to keep up the divine task and contribute for nation building exercise.

The governor, accompanied by his wife and Speaker Setong Sena, also interacted with army personnel, sources added.

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