Indo-Myanmar border trade still remains a distant dream

Moreh (Manipur), July 24 (ANI): The Indo-Myanmar border trade through Moreh in Manipur has become a distant dream for traders, thanks to the constant shutdowns and poor infrastructure.

The Indo-Myanmar Border trade agreement between India and Myanmar was signed on January 21, 1994 to facilitate a congenial trade practice.

However, the cross border trade has now come down to only two to three items of the total 40 items listed in the trade pact.

"There are frequent Bandhs (shutdowns) in this part of the country and consequently, the border trade gets affected and people suffer because of that. The government is also not seriously looking into the matter," said Lungkhup, a local trader.

Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary of Hills Tribal Council (HTC) was of the view that the delayed process for the development of the export-import along the border has left traders with a big question.

Their apprehensions are whether the proposed regular border trade will ever materialise.

"What we want is that the government should speed up the process. The government is always slow but I think and I hope it will get materialise soon," said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hills Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, Manipur.

Although trade is to be conducted in freely convertible currencies or in currencies mutually agreed upon by the two countries under Article-III of the pact, the trade is functioning mainly under the barter system. (ANI)