IMPHAL, October 26: Trading is one activity that can boost the economy of the state hence promoting trade and commerce is important. Manipur has the potential to produce commodities that are highly in demand in the rest of the world but they remain stagnant because of frequent bandhs and blockades said Minister Commerce & Industries Govindas Konthoujam who spoke as guest of honour during the inaugural function of two day national seminar on Food and Beverages of Manipur: Cultural Heritage, Entrepreneurship & Contemporary Challenges held at Centenary Hall, Manipur University.
Further, reiterating that patenting is very important to tag ownership of a commodity he said the state indigenous `Potloi`™ is beginning to use in the fashion parades in international ramps and he expressed fears that others may patent it taking it away from its roots.
Tender bamboo shoots for use in the restaurants in the entire nation is imported from China, said Govindas and added that Manipur can enter the market and replace China in supplying this commodity to the Indian market.
For this, he said bamboo shoots available in the state must be standardised, so it could be exported.
The indigenous food `Usoi`™ is also liked by the people of Japan and even the Japanese have been placing big order. They also love indigenous items, including local brews of Sekmai, Andro and Fanyeng and if this demand is taken care of the state economy can receive a fillip, he added.
Commerce & Industries Minister also elaborated that one litre of Sekmai liquor is Rs 40 to 43 and the same can be sold at 10 USD, that is Rs 650 approximately and the premium brand could fetch Rs 885 per litre.
He further said that if local brews of Sekmai, Andro and Fanyeng is illegalised for export, the state could possibly earn an extra Rs 8000 to Rs 10000 crores annually.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi who spoke as Chief Guest said that tapping resources of the state is very essential to promote economic sustainability. He said he wants recommendations from the two day national seminar to uplift the state economy and to boost trade and commerce activities of the state.
Ibobi further said that the law and order of the state is big challenge in any effort to promote trade and commerce.
He said he was told by some of high ranking officials of the military that they were of the opinion that the Manipur`™s law and order situation is far more complex than Jammu and Kashmir`™s. The state is paralysed by six months of rainfall, numerous bandhs, blockades and indefinite economy blockades. He said that he is hopeful that after the thorough discussion in the seminar proposals would come up to tackles all these odds.
Ibobi also announced that Imphal city has been shortlisted for upgrade to smart city by the Centre and this was a welcome decision. He further said the centres new proposal for 50-50 share between state and centre in footing the bills fo state budgets is not realistic for the Northeast states.
The inaugural function was also attended by MLA Kakching A/c Y Surchandra Singh; Consultant to Government of Manipur Dr RK Nimai Singh, IAS (Retd); Vice Chancellor, Manipur University Prof. HNK Sarma as Guests of Honour and President of the inaugural function and Managing Director, Bena Enterprises (P) Ltd., Tokyo, Japan as special invitee.