Problems and Prospects of Indo-Bangla Trade in Agartala Land Customs Station- an Empirical Study

The study examines the perception of the respondents about problems and prospects of cross border trade in Agartala Land Customs Station (LCS). It obtained primary data from 150 respondents consisting of 100 exporters-importers and 50 laborers from Agartala LCS using different non-probability sampling techniques through schedule and personal interviews. Different statistical tests like factor analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Student's t-test and Pearson's Chi-square test, were performed to assess support for the hypotheses. A pilot survey with 30 respondents to check the reliability of the questions and sample adequacy test was also carried out. Through factor analysis, five major factors viz. Govt.'s support in foreign trade, Infrastructural problems, Impact of Unavoidable Issues, Required Infrastructural Development and Required Policy changes were extracted. Based on such factors, Student's t-test and Chi-square test were carried out. The findings indicate most of the respondents believe that Agartala LCS is a modern LCS having latest technologies but lacks basic amenities. Lack of sufficient place for loading-unloading and parking, delayed clearance of consignments are the major problems. The state suffers revenue losses during temporary suspension of trade due to political disturbances in Bangladesh. Sometimes unprecedented conflict between BSF and laborers halt trade while traffic jam due to lack of parking space is another matter of concern. Further, it suggests that the basic infrastructure needs to be improved; problems of parking and loading-unloading space, traffic jams, and high duties should be solved for accelerating the cross border trade and smooth functioning of Agartala LCS