Arunachal moves Centre to open trade routes with China & Myanmar

ITANAGAR, March 20: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi today said he has asked the Centre to reopen the border trade routes with neighbouring countries like China, Myanmar and Bhutan, reports UNI. Replying to a private member resolution in the assembly on the reopening of the border trade with its neighbouring countries, Mithi said the Centre had evinced keen interests on the matter. He said the Centre was of the opinion that the existing routes to Moreh in Manipur should be made operational before opening up any new routes through Pangsu pass in the State. The private member resolution was moved by former Chief Minister Gegong Apang. Apang said the State government was considering reopening of border trade routes with Bhutan, China and Myanmar by building proper communicational facilities. Mithi said past trade links existed with these countries through which salt, iron and woollen clothes were bartered. "Our agriculture products could not compete with the rest of the country owing to high transportation costs. Private investors were also not interested due to risks involved," Apang said. Replying to the discussions, Trade and Commerce Minister said China had not responded to the Centre's requests on border trade.