Already permission from Myanmar is available. Some paper work needs to be completed. If everything goes well, the UBI may open a branch in Bangladesh along the Tripura border. Myanmar Economic Bank and UBI officials have also agreed to allow letter of credit (LoC) system to operate in trading instead of the barter system.

The UBI officials in Manipur recently imparted necessary training to Myanmar Economic Bank staff. A high level meeting of bank officials and trade chambers of the two countries will be held on November 25 at Tamu, nearest border town of Myanmar from the Indian side  to discuss logistics and other details.

Indo-Myanmar border trade, which was launched on April 12, 1995 covers 22 items. In recent past, it has however seen some unsavoury developments and led to a halt in imports and exports This followed the seizure of two truckloads of betel nuts and ginger by the Patna customs on September 20 despite valid documents. The Indo-Myanmar Exim Association has protested against the Bihar police action. Border trade is key to economic upliftment of the North-Eastern states. Thus, the decision to open UBI branch in Myanmar is a step towards right direction.

| Manipur | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |