Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh on Thursday called for a long-term, coordinated plan to strengthen border trade and directed officials to complete the necessary groundwork before major connectivity projects are commissioned.Singh made the remarks at a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce & Industries and Home departments at Lok Bhavan in Aizawl to review measures to improve border trade.He stressed the need for regulated trade mechanisms to prevent future complications and called for coordinated efforts to curb illegal trade and related activities.Referring to upcoming connectivity projects, including improved road networks and the extension of railway lines to the border, Governor said preparations should begin immediately. He urged officials to use the current period of relative ease to complete the required groundwork instead of waiting for the projects to be completed.Singh called for a comprehensive plan bringing all border trade-related initiatives under a single framework. He also assured officials of his full support whenever required.The meeting reviewed the progress of and challenges facing key border trade infrastructure, including Border Haats, Land Customs Stations, Integrated Check Posts and Land Ports.Discussions also focused on institutionalising the Border Haat system, regulating currently unregulated trade and ensuring the early submission of project proposals and detailed blueprints prepared by the Joint Working Group to the concerned authorities.Governor directed that the proposals be submitted without delay so that the projects could be completed in a timely manner.Those present included Secretary to Governor Vinod P. Kavle, Commerce & Industries Secretary H. Lianzela, Home Secretary Vanlalmawia and other senior officials.
