AGARTALA, June 17 (TIWN): Leaving no stone unturned over the trend of growing commerce across border, the land-locked Tripura has been gaining a momentum with its second haat or market bordering Bangladesh. First border haat was opened at Tripura Srinagar bordering area whereas another of its kind was opened at Kamalasagar under Sepahijala District of the state. However, welcoming the ambitious plan of the India Government and his Bangladeshi counterpart, a section of traders and the common masses of other districts of the state have now come up with their demand to set up international market called as border haats along North East region. Tripura people do not want to stir a controversy, rather they are happy that the state economy is growing due to rise in Tripura-Bangla improved relations, border huts.A section of people of the Dhalai, North and other districts of the state have been demanding for border market locally known as border haat. They said, “The haat along the bordering areas not only strengthen the bi-lateral relation between these two countries but also led to employment generation.” A trader from Dhalai District of the state said, “We thank the government of both the countries for setting up haat along with the bordering areas here, but also we want such of its kind in our region as it would give an immense boost to our trade and income.” The objective of setting up of such markets on the border to encourage selling and buying of locally produced goods.

A section of farmers under North District of Tripura said, “The trading business between Tripura Bangladesh if planned here then it would bring a boon to our daily livelihood.” The farmers said, “If the Government plans to set up border haat here than it would benefit us at large as we need not take our agricultural products to the capital city inspite we can sell those to our neighbours in the haat.” Adding to that the farmers also said that it would reduce their transport cost.

However, not only availability of goods, the enhanced border trade has led to employment generation as well. 

Border haat which enables local trade and increase people to people contact also helps to promote the well being of the people in areas which are difficult access across the border of the two countries through establishing a traditional system of marketing local products.

The second border haat began operations at the Indo-Bangladesh border at Kamalasagar in the Sipahijala district. Twenty five vendors from both countries will be able to sell their produces within the five kilometre radius of the haat on market day, which will be observed on every Thursday.

No local taxes would be imposed on the items to be sold in the haats and currencies of both the countries will be accepted. Altogether four border haats are scheduled to be constructed in Tripura.

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.