Dhaka seeks removal of Indian trade barriers

Bangladesh has urged India to remove land port restrictions and non-tariff barriers affecting its exports, withdraw anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and consider extending existing tariff benefits beyond the country’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

The demands feature prominently on Bangladesh’s agenda at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group on Trade, under way in New Delhi, according to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce.

The two-day meeting, which began on 8 October, is focusing on resolving bilateral trade barriers, improving land port capacity and facilitating the movement of goods between the two countries.

Bangladesh has called for a review of restrictions on its exports through Indian land ports and measures to address tariff and non-tariff barriers that limit access to the Indian market.

It has also proposed retaining the tariff preferences it currently enjoys under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement after graduating from the LDC category.

Harmonising product standards, establishing mutual recognition arrangements and simplifying certification procedures under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are also among Dhaka’s priorities.

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To improve regional trade, Bangladesh has sought greater opportunities for cargo trucks carrying goods to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory. It has also called for a more effective CEOs’ Forum to strengthen direct business links and cooperation between the two countries.

The agenda includes upgrading infrastructure at India’s Land Customs Stations, including entry points, parking yards, warehouses and sheds, as well as expanding product-testing and quarantine facilities. Increasing border port capacity and speeding up cargo clearance are also priorities.

India, meanwhile, has proposed removing restrictions at designated land ports on exports of cotton yarn and other products to Bangladesh. Its agenda also covers obstacles to exports from the country’s north-eastern states, regional connectivity and the expansion of multimodal transport.

Improving the Akhaura-Agartala link and rail connectivity, addressing issues concerning border haats, and reducing the time and costs associated with customs and border procedures are also under discussion.

The talks seek to improve market access and streamline the movement of goods, helping both countries make better use of their geographical proximity and regional trade links.

A 10-member Bangladesh delegation, led by Ayesha Akter, additional secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, is attending the meeting.