A border haat will be set up in Sajek of Khagrachhari along the Mizoram border to enhance communication and trade relations, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said.
Mizoram has proposed to set up this border haat at Silsuri in Mizoram and Sajek in the border area of Bangladesh, he said at a press conference after signing a joint statement in Mizoram on Monday, said a press release by the Ministry of Commerce.
Tipu Munshi remarked that Bangladesh had significant trade potential with Mizoram.
Bangladesh shares a 318km-border with Mizoram.
"It is possible to export various products to Mizoram as per demands, including readymade garments, construction materials, plastics and food products, from Bangladesh. There is a huge demand for these products in Mizoram. At the same time, Mizoram can export stone, turmeric, ginger, chilli, and famous bamboo, etc,” he added.
The minister said that the feasibility of transporting goods and increasing trade of Bangladesh with Mizoram using waterways would be explored.
"We are taking necessary steps to solve the barriers and increase trade between the two countries," he mentioned.
His counterpart R Lalthangliana said Bangladesh had opportunities to increase freight and trade with Mizoram using the Chittagong Port and waterways.
"We have taken steps in this regard. People from both countries are interested in the border haat,” he added.
Tipu Munshi went to Mizoram on an official visit on April 22. During the visit, he and Lalthangliana visited a possible place for establishing the border haat. They also visited the Silsuri-Sajek border area of both countries.