Eastward Ho! North-east India’s International borders with ASEAN



It’s noteworthy that North-east India shares approximately 1645 kms with Myanmar which covers most of Sagaing and Chin States on the Myanmar side. As I mentioned in my previous post, Moreh in Manipur and Tamu, the border town in Myanmar are the most popular and active with border Trade ( both Barter and Imports and Exports).

All car rallies to ASEAN countries till date undertaken by both Government and trade bodies have used this border route for both entry and exit of  vehicles. Likewise, the commercial vehicles also use this border route for all trade with the active participation of the Land Custom officials. The border Haats in this border town are most active with people from either side crossing over with issued permits from the concerned authorities for their daily trading and shopping within a time limit from dawn to dusk. On my last visit I had an extensive meeting with the members of the Border Trade Chamber of Commerce, Moreh who are upbeat about the prospects of Trade activities through the Moreh – Tamu Border.

The other two borders being Pangsau Pass in Arunachal and Zokhawthar in Mizoram though these two borders are not as active as the Moreh border but have equally huge potential in border trade. The Arunachal Government has taken various steps to promote border Trade. One such annual event being the Pangsau Pass Winter festival held every year during the month of January. The border is situated in  Nampong village.

The Mizoram – Myanmar border trade through the land custom station started formally in March 2005.  Zokhawthar, in eastern Mizoram has an International border of 510 kms with Myanmar. The Border Haats are being set up along the border to promote local products of both the countries. A lot more need to be done in this border too to promote trade like infrastructure, connectivity from the capital city, Aizawl. Initially, border trade was allowed from this border but was discontinued in November 2015 to give way to normal imports and exports.

In my next post I shall give interesting ground facts and potential of all three border trade points separately where I shall analyze and discuss about the bigger picture of border Trade in the Northeast.       
    

 S. M. Farid
International Trade Consultant (ASEAN Region)

shahfarid90@gmail.com

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