AGARTALA, June 13 (TIWN): When the border haat has come as a boon for the land-locked Tripura, the exports volume from Agartala to Bangladesh have been on downward spiral since the last couple of years and has missed the target of its own status. Tripura exported goods of Rs 0.41 Cr in 2013-14 and 2012-13 whereas it was Rs 1.55 Cr in 2011-12. Concerning over the issue the state government has been now eyeing towards the trade at newly set up border haats. However, but the trade volume at the state Land Custom Stations (LCS) has declined, said official source. According to the official of the Agartala Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) since the last couple of years the export from Tripura to Bangladesh has declined whereas the goods from Bangladesh are arriving here daily with at least 30 to 40 trucks. Out of eight land custom stations (LCS) along Tripura-Bangladesh border, three are in operational for trade between these two countries and Indian government pursuing with Bangladesh counterparts to upgrade the trade infrastructure in other side of border; as well as to pump fund for the development of LCS in Indian side.

The official at ICP 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. Expressing concern over declining trade in Tripura border and reported incidences of informal trade along Tripura-Bangladesh borders, the official 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 said that though the export from Tripura to Bangladesh had declined at the LCSs of the state but the people of the land-locked state would be benefited by the border haat set up along the Tripura-Bangla border at large. Also the people of Bangladesh would be benefited as the state government here could engage the local traders at the border haat to export their agricultural products and others.  

“This would help the state to develop its economy growth and can recover from the declining trade at LCSs,” official said.

This is despite the fact that there is a huge trade imbalance between the two countries in favour of India. However, the picture is totally different when it comes to trade between Tripura and Bangladesh. Bangladesh exported goods worth Rs 342.65 crore to Tripura last year, while it imported goods worth just Rs 0.41 crore only, according to the official.

The ICP official said, “The trade will get further boost once the Agartala BG railway line comes up, because a large volume of goods would reach here in Agartala from the different parts of the North eastern region and later it can be exported to Bangladesh.”

The Agartala LCS was upgraded to Integrated Check Post in 2013 which is the second of its kind across the country after Attari in Punjab.