Bangladesh, India agree to work towards boosting bilateral trade

Bangladesh and India have agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday.

“Trade between the two countries has faced various obstacles due to some mutual decisions. Both sides have drawn each other’s attention to reviewing decisions such as the closure of several Indian land ports, border haats and the cancellation of trans-shipment facilities,” he said.

The commerce adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The minister said the high commissioner primarily came as part of a courtesy call to welcome the new government but discussions also covered various aspects of increasing trade between the two countries.

Talks included the reopening of some closed land ports, he added.

Muktadir said Bangladesh also drew India’s attention to existing restrictions on the export of some products while the Indian side mentioned restarting closed border haats.

“There are, in fact, some mutual barriers created by both countries and it is true that these have affected trade relations,” he said the high commissioner would discuss the issues at higher levels in his country while Bangladesh would also raise the matters in the cabinet.

Replying to a question, Muktadir said there was no discussion on the future of Indian-funded projects.

Asked about the possibility of fuel and food shortages if the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to the Iran war, the minister said shipping costs would rise in that case.

“There is no need for immediate concern as the situation could be resolved within a couple of days. If not, the government would take alternative measures and there is currently no shortage of goods in the country, he said.