Guwahati: International trade 'haats' along the border with Bangladesh, which was recently signed by India and Bangladesh, would lead to better connectivity and trade, says President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

Kovind said this at the 16th convocation of the Mizoram University at Tanhril near Aizwal on April 5.

Referring to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Kovind said the transport project seeks to create facilities for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar. It will connect the Sittwe port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border, thereby contributing to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India.

"I hope more such projects are identified and encouraged for holistic development of the North-Eastern States and our neighbouring countries," he said.

North East India has immense potential for trade and development. "Mizoram being a landlocked state, does not have access to the sea, but shares its borders with both Bangladesh and Myanmar besides sides the Indian States of Assam, Tripura, and Manipur," he said.

Stressing the need to preserve the rich biodiversity in the North East, Kovind said it is our responsibility to strike the right balance between development and sustainability.

"The environment in this State as well as in the other North Eastern States needs to be preserved with care. We must adopt practices which are beneficial not only to us but also to nature" he said.

The President lauded Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura for generating the least plastic waste as per a NITI Aayog study. To enable India to meet its global commitments, the State governments should also adopt Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) as their priorities, the President said.

Kovind conferred degrees to 7,832 students during the convocation. As many as 38 gold medals were also awarded during the convocation. About 4,700 are women students, which is more than 50 percent of the students.

"Also, out of 38 gold medals awarded today, 23 have been won by girls. It is a shining lear example of women's excellence. I am glad that our daughters have achieved success and are ready to shape their destinies through their own efforts," the President said.