Aizawl, Sep 1 (IANS) The commerce ministry Friday said it would extend all possible assistance to boost exports from Mizoram.

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh gave this assurance while meeting Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga here, on the first day of his two-day visit to the state.

On the economic significance of the Sittwe/Kaladan port to be launched by India in Myanmar, Ramesh said $103 million would be invested in the project that would enable the opening of another route for trade between the northeast and the rest of India with southern Mizoram as the hub.

The project, to be executed by RITES, is expected to be commissioned by 2009.

Ramesh said the commerce ministry would extend all financial and technical support through its Export Development Fund for the northeastern states.

He said his ministry had already sanctioned over Rs.40 million to fully develop the land customs station at Zokhawtar in Mizoram to facilitate border trade with Myanmar.

Ramesh also called on Governor Lt. Gen (retd) M.M. Lakhera.