Meghalaya for stronger trade ties with Bangladesh

Wondering how the Look East Policy would be beneficial to the Northeastern states, Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy...

Wondering how the Look East Policy would be beneficial to the Northeastern states, Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy said that looking towards its southern border — Bangladesh — would benefit the state economically.

Roy, an economist, said the Look East Policy did not elaborate on the North East trade link with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and felt that mainland India might derive more economic benefits from the region.

“Trade link with ASEAN countries can be forged from anywhere by air or sea,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Roy underlined the importance of developing strong economic trade ties with Bangladesh. “Forging strong economic ties with Bangladesh would immensely benefit Meghalaya and other Northeast states, which share their border with the country,” Roy said.

Roy has also initiated a visit by an Indian delegation — to be led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) — to Bangladesh to improve economic ties with the neighbouring country. “The minister for DoNER has agreed to lead the delegation to Bangladesh later this year,” said Roy.

The Chief Minister said he would also speak to chief ministers of other Northeastern states to be part of the delegation to Bangladesh. He said reviving old trade links with Bangladesh will benefit both nations.