Shillong, Sept 01: The CUTS International with the support of US Department of State and in collaboration with the Federation of Industry and Commerce for North East Region (FINER) organised a stakeholder consultation at Shillong aimed at initiating a dialogue with key stakeholders viz. Exporters, Importers, Government Officials, Transport Associations on what needs to be done to facilitate effective implementation of the Motor Vehicles Agreement between India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Mr Bratindra Bhattacharya, Director, CUTS International, Stakeholders who participated at the consultation pointed out that if the motor vehicles agreement is implemented effectively and cargo and passenger transit through Bangladesh becomes a reality then it would not only bring the North East India closer to the mainland but should be able to reduce the time and cost of cargo movement.
This will be beneficial to the entire economy of North East India, especially Meghalaya, since the Dawki – Tamabil border lies on the BBIN corridor. He further added that the logistic cost in India, which is estimated to be 13-15 percent of the GDP can drastically come down with better roads and increased connectivity.
Mr I W Ingty, Commissioner, Transport, Government of Meghalaya stressed on the need for implementation of the MVA and mentioned that The Government of Meghalaya is seriously looking into the issue and to that end is organising a workshop in New Delhi soon. Dolly Khonglah, Secretary, Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce stressed on improving the condition of roads at the Dawki – Tamabil border and timely completion of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Dawki.
She further emphasised the need to create awareness among the drivers who often illegally park trucks making life miserable or vulnerable road users viz. women and children. S A Rynjah, SP (City) highlighted the need for increasing manpower and introducing new technologies for better traffic management. Rajeev Goswami, Deputy Director General, FINER, mentioned that the time is ripe to start the necessary actions to better implement MVA in the BBIN sub-region.
Mr Sunil Agarwal, Director, FINER, emphasised the need to think beyond just road connectivity and also consider the option of multi-modal rail-road-waterway connectivity to exploit the opportunities in creating regional value chains. Enrico D Pasi, President, The Association of Meghalaya Traders and Transporters while welcoming the MVA mentioned that there is immense scope for the meat processing industry in Meghalaya, but to exploit that one needs good connectivity with the markets in India and Bangladesh.
Mr Ratul Baruah, Bureau In Charge, The Meghalaya Guardian underlined the need for translating plans into actions. Kmen Myrchiang, Working President, Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that the Governments should consider the option of allowing Indian Trucks to carry consignments while returning from the other country, otherwise it will not be profitable for the private sector to invest.
