IMPHAL, June 25: The Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union had recently submitted a nine point memorandum to the state Chief Minister and trade related officials for the development of trade and commerce.
The memorandum has demanded the establishment of a separate directorate for trade and commerce and adoption of separate trade policy in the state.
It has also urged for an increase in the number of exchangeable items between India and Myanmar under the free trade agreement.
Elaborating on the demand, it has quoted the present free trade items between China and Myanmar as 11692 items, Thailand-Myanmar as 3699 and Bangladesh-Myanmar as 63 items.
It said, “Under the free trade agreement only 40 items are allowed between India and Myanmar. Considering the volume in Myanmar with its other adjoining countries, Exchangeable Items Under Free Trade may be increased”.
The memorandum has further demanded opening of foreign Passport and visa office at Imphal for development of trade and tourism and further frequent organizing of seminar/conference/awareness/trade fair/trade delegation.
It has also demanded the establishment of a Shopping Complex/International Trade facilitation centre at Imphal for taking benefit from the ASEAN country under Look East Policy and reduction of multiple check post in the National Highways including Nagaland.
The demands also include improvement of banking facilities at Moreh as well as opening of other banks.
The memorandum had also proposed invitation of investors by means of relaxation of taxes like income tax, sales tax, etc for few years and to invite some insurance company in transportation in the National Highway for creating trade atmosphere in the North East state.