Border trade to function soon: Aichhinga

Aizawl, Mar 13 (UNI) Mizoram Trade and Commerce Minister Aichhinga today told the Assembly that the border trade centre at Zokhawthar will function soon after the area is declared 'Land customs station'.

He said the government willl take the decision following an agreement with the SBI and Myanmar Economic Bank.

Mr Aichhinga was replying to Lalhmingthanga (MPC) during the ongoing budget session.

He also informed the House that the government has approved Rs 310 lakh for construction of 'Trade Facilitation Centre' in Tlabung town adding that black topping for link road to Kawrpuichhuah is in progress, though the Bangladeshi government has not yet paid heed on establishment of border trade or international trade centre at Tlabung (Demagiri).

Replying to another question from MNF member Lalchhandama Ralte, Mr Aichhinga disclosed that as many as ten wholesale markets and 87 rural primary markets have been constructed during 2003-07 under the technology mission and mini mission III.

As to the proposed number of projects for the next fiscal, he told the House that the Trade and Commerce department is planning to construct one more wholesale market and 19 rural primary markets during 2008.

The minister also reiterated that ginger was being sold at Vairengte at Rs 9.10 per kg hoping that the rate will sustain in the future.

In a reply to ZNP MLA Andrew Lalherliana, he also reaffirmed that movement and installation of check gate have been done in conformity with the Mizoram Agricultural Produces (Prohibition of Movement) (Amendment) Order, 1999.

UNI ZS PP RL HT1730