DHAKA, Feb. 25 (MIPR): Chief Minister Dr. DD Lapang on Thrursday reiterated the need for opening up of border haats along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
During his speech at the inaugural session of the India Trade Fair 2010, North East India Bangladesh Trade & Investment Summit held at Sheraton Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh, which was inaugurated by the Bangladesh Finance Minister, Abul Maal A Muhith on Thursday, Dr. Lapang stated: “The recent visit of Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India is a landmark in the history of the relationship between India and Bangladesh. The two countries reached several areas of understanding which would result in wide ranging consequences both economic and political. Visionaries like our Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Sheikh Hasina Wajed reaffirmed the shared historical bondage, traditional linkages, socio economic inter-dependence between the two countries which envisages opening the doors to a new phase in our bilateral relations. With the new spirit and encouragement received from this engagement, I am standing here on the soil of Bangladesh to pick up the threads and explore the possibility of restructuring the historical bondage for progress and economic development of the people on both sides of the border.”
He informed that Meghalaya shares border haats with Bangladesh located in Khasi and Garo Hills, at Dawki, Borsora, Mahendraganj and Gasuapara and underlined that residents in the border areas are calling for the re-opening of border haats to improve the socio-economic condition of the people of the area.
He said that according to the people residing there, border haats symbolise the life style of the people and serve as a meeting place to exchange merchandise and ideas. He added that the Meghalaya Government has been pursuing the matter with Centre which is awaiting final clearance by the Bangladesh Government.
Dr. Lapang said that from Meghalaya alone, goods worth Rs.1840 million were exported to Bangladesh in 2009 whose items included citrus fruits, spices, boulders, coal and limestone.
The Chief Minister also the potential of Meghalaya in the tourism sector, mineral-based industries, health care, information technology including education and horticulture and expressed confidence that the sharing and exploitation of these areas for mutual benefits, would prove to be advantageous for furthering and promoting trade and commerce between Meghalaya and the neighbouring country.
Deputy Chief Ministers, Dr Mukul Sangma and Bindo Lanong also took part in the trade and investment opportunities discussion sessions, where they highlighted the investment potentials of Meghalaya in different sectors.