Minister Reports Surge in Imports from Bangladesh to Tripura, Exports Decline Significantly
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Synopsis
On March 27, Minister Santana Chakma informed that Tripura's imports from Bangladesh have increased, while exports have sharply declined. The statement was made during an Assembly session, responding to questions from the opposition leader.
Key Takeaways
- Imports from Bangladesh to Tripura rose significantly.
- Exports from Tripura to Bangladesh have decreased considerably.
- Operational Land Customs Stations facilitate trade.
- Two 'Border Haats' enhance cross-border commerce.
- Despite unrest in Bangladesh, trade continues between states.
Agartala, March 27 (NationPress) The volume of imports from Bangladesh to Tripura has risen, while exports from this northeastern state of India to its neighboring country have seen a significant drop, as reported by state Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma during an Assembly session on Thursday.
In response to inquiries from the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Chaudhury, the Minister revealed that Tripura's imports from Bangladesh amounted to Rs 636.72 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, increasing to Rs 703.67 crore in 2023-24, and reaching Rs 625.14 crore by February in the ongoing fiscal year (2024-25).
Chakma further informed the House that Tripura's exports were valued at Rs 121.37 crore in the 2022-23 fiscal year, dropping to Rs 12.31 crore in 2023-24, and totaling Rs 50.07 crore by February of the current fiscal year (2024-25).
The Minister indicated that out of nine Land Customs Stations (LCSs) located along the 856 km India-Bangladesh border with Tripura, eight are currently operational, facilitating trade and the movement of people across these points.
She noted the existence of two 'Border Haats' established along the India-Bangladesh border with Tripura, specifically at Srinagar (south Tripura)-Purba Madhugram (Bangladesh) in the south Tripura district and Kasba (Bangladesh)-Kamalasagar (Tripura) in the Sepahijala district.
The Kamalasagar-Kasba 'Border Haat' has been operational since June 2015 but faced closure due to Covid-19 related restrictions starting March 2020, according to the Minister.
“Following mutual discussions between officials from India and Bangladesh, the Kamalasagar-Kasba 'Border Haat' is set to reopen shortly,” she stated.
Chakma also mentioned that the Srinagar-Purba Madhugram 'Border Haat' began operations in January 2015 but was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions in March 2020. It reopened on May 9, 2023, only to close again on November 4 of the previous year.
In the weekly border market, an average of at least 25 vendors, including women from both nations, sell their local products and a variety of items.
Despite significant unrest and violence in Bangladesh over the past year, trade between Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and the neighboring country has continued uninterrupted.
Four northeastern states—Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Assam (263 km)—share a combined 1,880 km border with Bangladesh.
To enhance trade, tourism, and other economic activities, the Central government has established two Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along the border, located in Akhaura (West Tripura district) and Srimantapur (Sepahijala district).
These multi-purpose ICPs were also set up at trading points in Meghalaya's Dawki-Tamabil and Assam's Sutarkandi-Sheola.
Following the Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh) ICP in West Bengal, the Agartala-Akhaura ICP is recognized as the second largest trading point along the India-Bangladesh border based on annual trade value.
Bangladesh exports a range of products to Tripura and other northeastern states, including fish, cement, food items, construction materials, steel sheets, PVC pipes, soft drinks, readymade garments, melamine, and cotton waste. In return, northeastern states export commodities such as broken stone, maize, agarbatti, fresh ginger, dry chilies, vegetable seeds, various spices, and wood apple.
