Tripura is set to witness a comprehensive transformation, thanks to an approved project worth Rs 1,200 crore by the Asian Development Bank. The initiative, focused on fortifying infrastructure in the state’s industrial cities, has already entered the preparatory phase, with detailed project reports (DPRs) well underway, said State Minister for Industry and Commerce, Santana Chakma.
Parallelly, the National Bamboo Mission, with the support of ADB, is spearheading initiatives to nurture the bamboo value chain in the northeastern region. Plans are in motion for an integrated bamboo park in Sonamukhi village, Unakoti district, along with the establishment of 8 primary processing centers. A recent visit from a delegation representing the National Bamboo Mission and ADB further underscored the collaborative efforts to bolster Tripura’s industrial landscape.
Apart from that in a bid to celebrate and bolster Tripura’s rich heritage while fostering economic growth, a pioneering “Unity Mall” is on the horizon, set to become a vibrant showcase for the state’s handloom and handicraft products. Notably, this ambitious project is slated to receive vital financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said the minister.
Spanning a sprawling 360 acres within the Jute Mill complex adjacent to the Amtali-Khayerpur Bypass, the Unity Mall is poised to house an impressive array of 80 showrooms, dedicated to exhibiting the finest handcrafted offerings that Tripura has to offer.
“The Unity Mall project, made possible through substantial funding from the Asian Development Bank, aims to infuse fresh life into our state’s cultural legacy,” declared Chakma. “At an estimated cost of approximately Rs 130 crore, the Unity Mall will transcend being a mere marketplace. It will serve as a vibrant platform to showcase the ‘one district – one product’ ethos, enabling us to spotlight our state’s unique handlooms, handicrafts, and locally-produced treasures.”
Chakma underscored the holistic impact of the Unity Mall, emphasizing its potential to generate employment opportunities for the youth, artisans, potters, and weavers. Furthermore, it is anticipated to play a pivotal role in attracting tourists, thereby breathing new vigor into the state’s economy.
Moreover, a landmark agreement between Bangladesh and India regarding the use of Chittagong and Mongla ports for goods transportation is set to elevate cross-border trade. The Bangladesh Government’s designation of four transit and transshipment routes for Tripura is poised to streamline the movement of goods, subsequently invigorating trade across the northeastern states.
As the Unity Mall takes shape, supported by ADB funding and complemented by comprehensive infrastructure development initiatives, Tripura is primed to not only celebrate its unique cultural identity but also chart a course towards a more prosperous and interconnected future.
Talking about the achievements in the sector in the past 5 years, the minister said, “A large scale rubber thread unit has already been set up at Bodhjungnagar. Also, Tripura has TMT bar/rod/flats units, bamboo floor tiles, tea processing factories, rice mills, flower mills, rubber based medium industrial units. There are also small and micro industries. The total number of registered industrial units in the state as on 31 July 2023 is 32,728. Of these, there are 31,943 micro, 733 small and 52 medium industrial units”.
“Training opportunities will be created for 1 lakh youth in the next 5 years under the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Project. There will be other training in artificial intelligence, drone technology, internet of things, smart city services, smart agriculture etc. to expand employment opportunities in the state and outside the state”, she said.
With the help of the Social Welfare Department, 174 disabled persons have been trained in retail, ITES field and 240 destitute women in life skill trade so far.
The industries minister said that 340 people have been trained in plumber and assistant electrician trade under the Jal Jeevan Mission project. In this project, an initiative has been taken to train 2 persons from each Gram Panchayat and Village Committee.
Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce Department KM Shetty, Director of Industries and Commerce Department Vishwasree B, Director of Skill Development Directorate Sanjay Chakraborty also remained at the press conference.
