Date:15/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/15/stories/2006031502771900.htm

Back N-E States seek export council

Our Bureau

`Multi-commodity registration facility needed'

New Delhi , March 14

The eight North Eastern states are seeking an exclusive export promotion council (EPC) for the north eastern region with multi-commodity registration facility for products originating from this region, which is also the gateway for border trade with neighbouring countries.

At a recent seminar jointly organised by the North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) to coincide with the North East Trade Expo held here last week, the President of NEFIT, Mr R.C. Agarwal said the EPC should be endowed with a corpus fund to assist small producers and artisans of this region in executing big orders.

Poor infrastructure, inadequate market information, poor awareness of export-import policies and locational disadvantages are held responsible for the region's low trade volume. Mr Agarwal also underscored the need for a testing and certifying agency for the export of local organic produce such as cashew, spices, aromatic rice and fruits.

In his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Mr Ye Myint, called for the development of roadways and railways to enhance trade between Myanmar and India. The Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Mr C.L. Fernandez suggested a consortium approach to bolster trade volume from the North East. He said this would prove beneficial in conducting market surveys, procurement of raw materials, production of large quantities to meet specific market requirements and marketing of produce.