Indo-Myanmar trade favours the other side

Imphal, June 13: Though the Indo-Myanmar free trade agreement signed between the two countries has resulted in an import of Rs 5 lakhs items from Myanmar per day, the quantity and the category of trade items being exported from India to Myanmar still remains a big question. Following the agreement, the Myanmarese Government had constructed a massive market complex at Namphalong on the Myanmar side and selling numerous items thereby generating a big income to the Government. Above this, Myanmarese traders even descend on Moreh in the Indian territory for selling vegetables, fruits etc earning an additional income. As per the agreement, the Indian Government had black topped the route connecting Moreh and Mandalay. Besides it has also been providing several other trade related assistance. However on the Indian side, the allocation of shop plots of the market complex at Namphalong still remains to be carried out even after the completion of the construction. The draw of lots has not been done till date due to reasons known best to those concerned. The maintenance of NH 39 which connects Moreh, the Indian Government's proposed site for an "economic zone", with Imphal still remains unsatisfactory and there are potholes all along the road. The condition of the road still remains the same as it was before the trade agreement was signed. There has been no improvement though the route is the prime factor for the success of the border trade between the two neighboring countries. Myanmarese security personnel thoroughly check the items imported from the Indian-side. More than one cycle ream is not allowed to be imported at one go. Indian traders said they are still not clear on the number of items agreed for importing into Myanmar. Majority of the items seem to be bought by Indian traders from Myanmar, they added. The condition of the inter-town roads at Moreh town which is a congregation of different communities from all over India is in a very deplorable shape. Stone chips and broken concrete lay scattered over them not to mention of the dust. The Government IB is ill maintained and lacks repairing. Though the number of hotels providing fooding and lodging to traders and tourists as well is abundant, the presence of standard joints remains to be seen at the trade town.