Sonowal urges Centre to upgrade export infrastructure at

border

Guwahati, Nov 7 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today urged the Centre to modernise and upgrade export infrastructure at Indo-Bangla border in the state by forming a special task force for time-bound action plan.

"Sonowal requested Union Industry and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu to take urgent steps for modernising and upgrading the export infrastructure at Assam-Bangladesh international border and to constitute a special task force for preparation of time-bound action plan in this regard," an official release said here.

The Chief Minister met the Union Minister in New Delhi and informed him the importance of strengthening border trade points with Bangladesh.

"Currently, we have three border trade points, namely Golakganj and Mankachar in Dhubri district and Sutarkandi in Karimgaj District. On the backdrop of the special emphasis of Hon'ble Prime Minister on Act East Policy, it is critical to modernise and upgrade these border trade points", Sonowal said.

Responding to Sonowal's requests, Prabhu assured to take urgent appropriate steps for revamping the infrastructure of the three border trade points, the statement said.

The Union Minister also announced that the Industry and Commerce Ministry will be a co-sponsor of the Global Investors Summit in Assam next year and will bear 50 per cent of the cost of the event.

Sonowal also requested to restructure Tocklai Tea Research Institute into a Global Innovative and Futuristic Centre for diversified use of Tea.

The Chief Minister raised the issue of announcement of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy ahead of the forthcoming Global Investors Summit.

"Early announcement of NEIIPP is very critical for industrial investment in Assam and the North East. This policy will leverage industrial growth in the entire region" he added.

The duo also discussed the revised scheme of budgetary support under Goods and Services Tax regime to the units located in the states of North Eastern region.

Sonowal informed about the serious concerns expressed by the industry stakeholders of the region about the revised schemes and requested Prabhu to re-examine the matter.

Acknowledging the requests made by the Chief Minister, the Union Minister assured him of taking expeditious measures for their realisation. PTI TR RG