Shillong: Meghalaya has proposed a new Land Customs Station at Umkiang and upgrades for five others to boost trade with Bangladesh.Deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who holds the commerce and industries portfolio, highlighted the state’s strategic location and the importance of the Dawki-Tamabil Integrated Check Post at a state-level outreach programme in Shillong on Thursday.Dhar said govt had proposed upgrading the stations at Bagli, Borsora, Bholaganj, Mahendraganj and Dalu into Integrated Check Posts. He urged the Centre to reopen five Border Haats and operationalise the completed Huroi Border Haat in East Jaintia Hills.He said free trade agreements could connect Meghalaya’s farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs with global markets. Key export sectors include horticultural produce, spices, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, honey, bamboo, handloom products and handicrafts.With Meghalaya’s exports estimated at about $77 million, Union commerce ministry joint secretary Kapil Chaudhary called for stronger trade links and efforts to capture shipments routed through ports outside the state.Commerce and industries commissioner and secretary Cyril VD Diengdoh stressed coordination among agencies to help producers access international markets.The programme, organised by the state commerce department with the Union commerce ministry and DGFT, covered FTAs, export schemes and export-market access.
