Waterways connectivity between Tripura and Bangladesh will usher new opportunities for both Tripura and Bangladesh as well as for entire North East India. In view of the trade potentials, an initiative has been taken to start the Import-Export trade through the proposed waterways – between Sonamura in Tripura and Daudkandi in Bangladesh – as soon as possible.
The Tripura Chapter of India-Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and All Tripura Merchants’ Association on Tuesday held a joint meeting to discuss the trade benefits.
The key points of the discussions included renovation/ widening of the 800-mtr connecting road from main road to zero point, increase in navigability of the river Gomati, improvement of receive and dispatch vehicle facilities and removal of restrictions on various items for extension of the import-export trade.
In the meeting, discussion were also held so that the Concerned Authority allows for carrying the goods/items kept in the border to prevent from damage. Meanwhile, emphasize was also laid on arrangement of a quarantine centre for importer/ exporter and drivers, if necessary.
The presidents and secretaries of All Merchant Associations have sought cooperation from Industry Department, Land Custom Authority and BSF for smooth functioning of the trade.
During the meeting, the representatives of Sonamura and Bishalgarh Merchants’ Association also held discussions with the traders from Bangladesh via video conferencing. After the meeting, a delegation visited the newly-constructed temporary jetty at Sonamura.
As per the report, the Merchant’ Associations of Bhairav and Ashuganj in Bangladesh are very much keen to begin the import-export trade- they have welcomed the initiative with a happy note.
The meeting was held at Sonamura Nagar Panchayat in presence of SDM Sonamura Subrata Majumder, Land Port Authority of India Manager Debashis Nandi, the representatives of Sonamura Export-Import Association, and Sonamura/ Bishalgarh Merchants’ Association. The meeting was chaired by Jhutan Roy of Sonamura Nagar Panchayat. Secretary of Tripura chamber of commerce- Sujit Roy was also present in the meeting.
