AGARTALA, September 6 (TIWN): Volume of import and export between Bangladesh and Tripura has reduced in last financial year compared to previous years, revealed commerce minister of the state Tapan Chakraborty.Chakraborty however, said out of eight land custom stations (LCS) along Tripura-Bangladesh border, three are in operational for trade between two countries and Indian government pursuing with Bangladesh counterparts to upgrade trade infrastructure in other side of border, besides, pumping fund for development of LCS in Indian side.

He stated that Tripura has been exporting only dry fish, paper, banana, pineapple and colour woven fabrics while importing food items, processed fruit drinks, household items and furniture, cloths and metallic products from Bangladesh.

“In 2013-14 Tripura imported items of Rs 229.83 Cr, which was Rs 342.65 Cr in 2012-13 and 329.05 Cr in 2011-12. Similarly, Tripura exported goods amounting to Rs 0.41 Cr in 2013-14 and 2012-13 and Rs 1.55 Cr in 2011-12,” Chakraborty attributes.

Expressing concern over declining trade in Tripura border and reported incidences of informal trade along Tripura-Bangladesh borders, Chakraborty stated that the state government has been sincerely trying to start border haats (border markets) on weekly basis in the border to increase the trade volume.    

He informed that Ministry of Commerce has cleared four border haats on Tripura-Bangladesh border and work for the setting up of the haats has been progressing satisfactorily. 
Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh and India reached at an agreement for setting up border haat at Kamalasagar of Sepahijala District and Srinagar on the southern border town Sabroom in 2013 and the work of Srinagar border haat is almost completed. 

Detailing the border haats, he maintained that each border haat would be set up in 75X75 sq metre of land in international border of Tripura and Bangladesh. The central government has sanctioned Rs 2.38 Cr for Kamalasagar and Rs 2.44 Cr for Srinagar border haats.

Both the countries have agreed to hold market on every Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm the Srinagar border haat and on every Thursday in Kamalasagar, Chakraborty said adding that DPR for Ragna and Kamalpur border haats was sent to centre, after getting the clearance work will start.