Aizawl, Aug 15 (IANS): Trade between Mizoram, Myanmar and Bangladesh would be launched soon as border infrastructures were almost ready, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said here on Saturday.

"The land customs station at Zokhawthar (in eastern Mizoram) was recently inaugurated by minister of state for commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman. This will enhance border trade with Myanmar," Lal Thanhawla said after unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles ground here.

The 69th Independence Day was celebrated across Mizoram, with numerous functions and programmes, including sports and cultural events.

Lal Thanhawla said: "Development of integrated check post at Kawrpuichhuah (in eastern Mizoram) is being constructed and this will facilitate the much awaited border trade with Bangladesh."

The chief minister said that to stop "jhum cultivation" (slash and burn method of farming), the state government's flagship programme, New Land Use Policy (NLUP) has made impressive progress and is well on the tract to realise the goals of achieving development in Mizoram.

"Under the NLUP, 90,139 beneficiaries have so far been assisted and assistance for another 44,861 beneficiaries will be started soon to start settled cultivation," the chief minister said.

He said that after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN Resident Coordinator and various UN Agencies, several countries have shown interest in joining hands with the government of Mizoram for development of forests, protection and maintenance of eco-system, support for livelihood activities and water and land management.

"An agreement for technical co-operation has been signed between FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), union Agriculture ministry and Mizoram government and US $ 496,000 (Rs 3.15 crores) has been received from the UN body," he added.