IMPHAL, February 9: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Manipur today to inspect the ongoing construction of the Trade cum Permanent Exhibition Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Timber Park Special Economic Zone project at Kuraopokpi in Thoubal district, and the developmental works taken up at Moreh.
On the first day of her two-day visit to Manipur, she took stock of the ongoing construction of the Trade cum Permanent Exhibition Centre in Imphal West.
She visited the construction site along with her officials and the State Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam.
She advised the State authorities to take care of the construction being carried out at a swampy site and also advised to complete the project within 20 months instead of completing it in 24 months so that the people could benefit out of the trade and exhibition centre.
She said: `The Prime Minister has insisted that each one of his ministers will have to focus on the North East, State by State. We want to start four major projects including this trade centre. We are very keen to move forward with the four major projects. Before the monsoon we would like to see something positive.”
She said she was keen to give employment preceded by skill development along with the establishment of development projects in the state.
She also added that the government is cooperating with the state government to ease out disturbances in the region.
Later while attending a programme in the BJP State unit office, she said she have discussed about the potential of border trade in Manipur and other issues thoroughly today.
He added that she held discussions to improve the livelihood of people here by capitalising on the State`™s potential in border trade.
In this regard, she said, the Union Ministry will give maximum support to the State. The turmeric items, Ginger items etc found in the State have a lot of potential if exported abroard; so, if necessary, the ministry will help construct a food processing division in the State too, she added.
She said that her Ministry will help find the market for the items with potential found in the State. Jiribam has potential for rubber plantation, she said, adding the Central government will give equal treatment to the State even though it has a Congress led government.
She asked the government, while meeting with Chief Minister, to strengthen the border trade with Myanmar for more bringing more development.
Tomorrow, she is visiting the Special Economic Zone project at Kuraopokpi in Thoubal district and later will inspect development works being taken up at the Indo-Myanmar border town, Moreh.
