Centre to tap NE for border trade inputs

Aizawl, Jul 17 (UNI) The Planning Commission (PC) of India has asked the NE states to prepare a blue-print on improving of border trade with neighbouring countries.

Based on the views and suggestions of NE states, the Centre would chalk out strategies to initiate more trade with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and China.

The plans would also focus on trade between the NE and ASEAN nations, along with infrastructural development and road and air connectivity.

PC is of the view that due to strategic location, NE has a huge potential for the trade with these countries and the proposal of border trade would be major thrust in the plan.

The PC also assured that the Centre would step in to help the states build a proper infrastructure in the region.

The Centre has already sanctioned Rs 15,000 crore for a special accelerated road development project to construct 7,000 km roads over the next six years in the region.

PC also pointed that as the policy and prospect of border trade through the northeast were not explored in the past,hence were not a part of the 10th plan and now with the process of globalisation, the ground realities have changed and the issues have gained immense significance.

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