Shillong, Dec 06: The two-day Policy Dialogue on Economic and Transport Development in Border Areas in Eastern South Asia here has recommended setting of more border haats and border Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to promote trade with neighbouring countries.
Apart from border haats and SEZs, the meet recommended for the improvement of transportation services along the international borders including development of roads, railways and inland waterways.
The meet was organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the Asian Development Bank, in collaboration with the Meghalaya government.
Delivering the valedictory address, Meghalaya chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the state has sought for the establishment of another 22 new border haats along the international border from the Centre. He said the haats would not only create economic opportunities, but would also cement bonds between the people living along the borders. “The haats will not only serve the purpose for economic considerations, but beyond economic benefits,” the chief minister said while referring to the pre-partition days when trade flourished and the friendly relationship of the people.
Dr Mukul also said that while trying to improve the transportation system in the region, comprehensive planning is required as it directly links with the economic activity of the people. Therefore he said that it has to be integrated to be in conformity with the requirements of the people. He, however, stressed on the importance of regulating the transportation system in the State.
Dr Mukul Sangma informed that the State Government will constitute an Apex body to look into the different feasible transportation systems in the State and to also work out their regulations and also link them with the economic activities. (SP News)
