The inaugural function of the General Body Meeting of the Manipur International Trade & Economic Cooperation (MITEC) was held at Classic Grande, Imphal, today.
The programme was attended by Ch. Ibohal Meitei, Director of the Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS); Watham Nabachandra, President of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade Union (IMBTU); Anil Haorokcham, Secretary of the Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI); L. Dwijamani Singh, Retd. OSD, Manipur Border Trade; and Priyobanta, President of MITEC.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, MITEC Secretary Moirangmayum Chandrakishore highlighted the potential of border trade under India’s Act East Policy to strengthen economic ties between India and Southeast Asian countries.
He, however, observed that the people of Manipur have not been able to fully benefit from the trade opportunities due to the prevailing situation in the State. He also pointed out that the entry of third-country goods through border trade has affected several small traders and local business operators.
Chandrakishore called for measures to ensure greater participation of local traders and inclusion of locally produced goods when border trade is resumed.
He said the State and Central governments should prioritise the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and restoration of normalcy before reopening border trade.
MITEC Executive Member Khuraijam Khamba Meitei said the ongoing conflict had restricted the movement and interaction between Meitei and Naga communities in border towns.
He called for steps to restore free movement between the communities and promote peaceful business activities involving all communities in the border areas.
He also appealed to the authorities to expedite the resettlement of IDPs to facilitate the restoration of normal economic activities and border trade.