After the success story of border haats set up along the India-Bangladesh border, the two countries have decided to open more such mini marketplaces.

According to All India Radio, Bangladesh has taken the initiative to open more border haats along the border with Mizoram. Quoting Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, the news organisation said that a few more border haats will be inaugurated shortly. The minister, reportedly also highlighted the opportunities that can open up between the two countries by expanding trade and connectivity.

Munshi, as reported by AIR, has also informed that Mizoram is interested in improving trade, commerce and communication through the establishment of border haats and land ports on the Bangladesh- Mizoram border. Mizoram, it is learnt, has also expressed interest in using the Chattogram port.

India and Bangladesh share around 4,100 Km long international border. While about 1,880 Kilometre is along the north-eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, the rest is with West Bengal.

A CUTS International report noted that demand supply gap in certain products coupled with impediments like lack of transport connectivity with urban centres, difference in prices of commodities across borders, and existence of various non-tariff barriers in trade through formal channels are some of the key factors that encourage trade through informal channels.