DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): Minister for Industries & Commerce, Horticulture and Border Affairs, Khekiho Zhimomi putting forth the ‘Look East Policy’ of the Government of India during his visit to Pokhungri area on June 1 and 2, said that the Government of Nagaland is serious about opening trade and commerce with Myanmar.
While reminding that the people of the area should be serious with the initiative taken by the government, Khekiho pointed out that people should be prepared to face the challenges that will arise once the international trade gets into operation.
The visit has brought into focus the serious intention of the government to initiate international trade and commerce through this remote and neglected region of the state at the earliest stated Alemtemshi Jamir, Principal Secretary to the government of Nagaland, Industries and Commerce in a release.
Khekiho along with Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Director Industries and Deputy Secretary, Border Affairs and other functionaries of the department inspected the Pokhungri-Avankhu Road which was stopped due to technical problems and difficult terrains. Extensive discussions with the officials of concerned department were held to ensure that the road be completed by April 2007 it was informed.
The Wazeho area with huge mineral deposits, especially limestone and marble, Khekiho termed the area as one, ‘among the most fortunate areas of the state’ during his interaction with the people of Wazeho.
He urged the people to co-operate with the initiatives of the government to exploit them as being presently done in upgrading the Wazeho Mini Cement Plant from 50 TPD to 150 TPD. Khekiho also told the people to start preparing themselves for industrialization beginning with small scale industries clustered around the Mini Cement Plant which is coming up in the area.
The minister inspected the marble cutting and polishing unit which is under operation and also the ongoing upgradation programme of the Mini Cement Plant for which 80% of the machinery had already reached the location. Khekiho noted that the problem of mining and extraction of marble and decorative stones remained a major problem that need to be attended at the earliest.
He also surveyed the proposed area where the state had at one time contemplated to bring in the cement giant ‘Lafarge’ to set up a cement plant in the area. Khekiho also expressed concern of the non-implementation of the inland waterway Tizu leading down to Tamanthi, which he had at one time initiated.
