India plans to set up 8 trade centres along Tripura border

"We're now awaiting clearance from Bangladesh to set up the trade centres. New Delhi has approved the Tripura government's proposal for the eight new centres," Pratap Dutta, spokesperson for the Tripura Industry and Commerce Department, said yesterday.

The proposed trade centres or inland ports are likely to be set up at Raghna and Hirachara in north Tripura district, Kamalpur in Dhalai district, Bamutia, Kamala, Sagar and Boxanagar in west Tripura district, and at Srinagar and Akinpur in south Tripura district, according to an IANS report.

Agricultural products, fruits, fish, egg, milk and milk-based items, cement, coal, stones and limestone have a high demand on either side of the border. "Once the new trade centres are open, people can buy and sell commodities at ease," the official said.

The traders on either side of the border will get "international commercial cards" and local currencies of the respective countries will be allowed for trading.

"We believe that opening of border trade will help check smuggling and illegal trade along the border areas," Dutta said.