DIMAPUR, APRIL 19 (MExN): Nagaland State Chief Minister,Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu has stated that people of the NE region should benefit from trade and commerce with the South East Asian nations, and called for improvement of facilities so that Nagaland can be a part and parcel of the Government of India’s Act East Policy.
“In terms of trade and commerce, the 21st Century will belong to the South East Asian countries and considering our proximity, both geographical and cultural, we should take full advantage. The region should not be a mere corridor for trade and commerce with the neighbouring countries but should be the hub so that the people of the area too, benefit from the increased trade and commerce,” he said while interacting with President of the Council of Naga Affairs in Myanmar, Athong Makury.
The CM assured that he would take up with the Government of India to improve roads and communications in the area. The Government of Nagaland has earmarked three International Trade Centres at Pangsha, Longwa and Avangkhu.
Makury meanwhile said that there are better trade routes than Moreh in Manipur. He stated that Avankhu in Meluri Sub Division of Phek district has more potential and that transportation of goods from the SE Asia to Avankhu would be easier.
The daily turnover at Moreh market is reported to be in terms of several crores of rupees. He pointed out that goods are transported by waterways on the Chindwin River from Mandalay to Kaliwa. From here, goods are transported by road to Moreh covering a distance of more than 400 kms, and the goods have to be transported for about 245 more kms to Kohima via Imphal.
“However, goods can be easily transported by waterways to Thamanthi, nearest river port to Indian border from where the goods can be transported to Avankhu or Phokhungri and then on to Kohima which will be less than 350 kms,” Makury said.
The distance between Kohima to Phokhungri is 292 km and Thamanthi in Myanmar is located about 40 km from the Indian border.
