Kibithu on border trade radar, Apang assess trade potentials

Kibithu, Oct 31 (UNI) For the 273 odd denizens of Kibithu, a tiny hamlet in Anjaw district of Arunchal Pradesh, near the Indo-Sino border, it is a day to cheer as the place is poised to turn into a major trading hub.

State Chief Minister Gegong Apang, heading a high level delegation yesterday, arrived here to show the area to the central government officials and apprise them about the potential of border trade in this area.

''Arunachal Pradesh would serve as the gateway of India to the South East Asian countries, inhabited by world's 50 per cent consumers, if border trade with neighbouring China, Bhutan and Myanmar is opened through this trade route,''Mr Apang commented.

The 'Look East' policy should be implemented in this Himalayan state which has traditional trade ties with Bhutan, China and Myanmar through its 160 km, 1080 km and 440 km border routes respectively.

New Delhi should take the initiative to begin trade through head load and on mule back with China to benefit the people of both sides of the border, he advocated.

''Union DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar should visit the border area soon to translate the 'Look East' policy into a reality as it would earn revenue for the Centre as well as state government, Apang emphatically said.

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