Connectivity imperative for better trade: Pangnyu

Nagaland minister of industries and commerce S Pangnyu Phom Wednesday stressed on the need for better road connectivity between Nagaland and Myanmar to promote trade relations between the two neighbours.
Talking to Nagaland Post after inaugurating Nagaland International Trade Centre (ITC) at Longwa, a border village between India and Myanmar Wednesday, Pangnyu admitted that there was a need to improve, improvise and expand trade centres and that the primary hindrance to developing the same was the absence of better road connectivity.
While asserting that road connectivity was imperative for better trade, Pangnyu maintained that the problem was on Myanmar side as Nagaland has workable road connectivity for ITCs.
He pointed out that traders from Myanmar came to India’s side of the border on foot or take a two-wheeler rides due to absence of motorable road from their villages to traditional trading points and specified trade centres.
The minister divulged that during his recent visit to Myanmar, the Naga elected representatives in Myanmar proposed proper road connectivity. Pangyu said he advised them to take up the issue with the Myanmar government so that the government of India could be informed about it.
The minister opined that if the government of India wanted to help develop the ITCs, it should initiate better road connectivity through the ministry of defense or DoNER ministry since the Union Ministry of Industries did not have provision for construction of roads.
He said that state government was exploring every possible way to have better coordination for increasing the quantum of trade and also to build better relationship between India and Myanmar.
Earlier, addressing a huge gathering at the premises of the chief Angh, which is bisected by the international border between India and Myanmar, Pangnyu pointed out that though Nagas of Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland could not live together under one unit, yet they have been integrated spiritually, socially and economically though ITC. He said with the establishment of the centre, Nagas could come together, trade, share and learn from each other.
Pangnyu also pointing out that Longwa and all the surrounding villages were fortunate as foreign, domestic tourist and government officials have extended aid for development. He said all 1128 villages falling within Nagaland were not as privileged as Longwa.
Acknowledging the contributions of the land-donors, the minister asked them to further extend cooperation to the state government’s effort to conduct land survey of the area for further development.
Pangyu said one of his goals during his tenure as minister of industries and commerce, was to develop Longwa ITC and for which he sought the cooperation and advise from all. He also asked the newly appointed ITC caretaker to perform their duties efficiently and urged the villagers to utilize the centre as their own property.
The minister also promised to build Cement Concrete (CC) road or “internal road” within ITC and to help set up more than ten urban huts during 2014-15.
During the inaugural programme, Longwa Village Council (LVC) submitted a representation to the minister requesting the government to appoint a border magistrate in Longwa village as the village was located at a strategic point susceptible to international border security issues. The council also appealed for the establishment of educational institutions and medical infrastructure and facilities in the area.
Parliamentary secretary for fire and emergency service and R & R Pohwang Konyak and traders and public from Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Longwa and neignbouring villages and others attended the inaugural programme. The programme was chaired by SDO (civil) Phomching Pakon Phom, invocation was said by deacon Longwa Baptist Church Metpai Konyak and welcome address by chairman LVC Longkhong Konyak.
The minister was accompanied by commissioner and secretary industries and commerce Thangi Mannen, director industries and commerce T. Kire, executive engineer industries and commerce Hukato Assumi, managing director NHL Bendang Longkumer, DC Mon Angau I Thou.