Talks to introduce a new trade route from Jomotshangkha Dungkhag in Samdrup Jongkhar have been there for a very long time. However, to the dismay of the residents, this has never materialised. Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering was questioned on it at the National Assembly today.
Without an official trade route in Jomotshangkha, residents have been facing numerous challenges in trading with India for decades now. The member of the parliament representing the Jomotshangkha-Martshala constituency, Norbu Wangzom, asked the Prime Minister about the government’s plan to resolve this.
“Residents of Jomotsangkha are facing a lot of problems due to the absence of a trade route. Many of them are unable to export their products as there is no trade route. There are a lot of paper works to be done with the SSB officials at the border gates. People are also facing various challenges in importing construction raw materials like bricks and CGI sheets,” she said.
Despite the problem, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said a trade route for Jomotsangkha Dungkhag is not commercially viable for now.
“There is no point in requesting the Indian government in introducing a new trade route when there is no good business going on between the two regions. Despite our effort, they do not accept our proposal. That is why, if we want a proper trade route via Jomotsangkha, it is a must that we improve and increase the trade volume,” said Lyonchhen.
However, the Prime Minister said of many trade routes in the country, the government today has identified 13 important routes, including Jomotshangkha, which are essential and beneficial to the people for further discussions with the Indian government.
According to the Lyonchhen, the upcoming 80-megawatt hydro project along the Jomo Chhu and the road connection between Lauri and Sakteng Gewogs will help increase the trade volume in the region.
Passang Dorji
Edited by Sonam
