Businesses in Chattogram called upon India to cut non-tariff barriers to boost Bangladesh’s exports to the neighbouring country and reduce the trade gap.
They also demanded enhancing the port infrastructure of both countries to facilitate the movement of goods.
The businesses made the demands during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.
The Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organised the meeting with its President Mahbubul Alam in the chair at the Bangabandhu Conference Hall of the World Trade Centre.
Doraiswami said that the trade, maritime and manufacturing sectors in Chattogram have a lot of potentials, and the seaport is being considered as the gateway to this region.
Both countries need to take initiatives for the development of sea, river and land ports to enhance bilateral trade, he added.
India is interested in cooperating with Bangladesh in the areas of logistics, ports, infrastructure, communications and manufacturing.
It is also keen on the operational activities of the Patenga Container Terminal and the Bay Terminal of Chattogram Port.
“Bangladeshi traders have a huge opportunity to export packaging foods to the Indian market after ensuring quality,” Doraiswami said.
India has proposed to set up a food safety lab in Bangladesh through a bilateral agreement, which will reduce the sufferings of traders in importing and exporting food products, he said.
Mahbubul Alam proposed the formation of a special task force comprised of ministries, ambassadors and business leaders to formulate a 10-year development plan based on the potential of both countries.
Aameir Alihussain, managing director of Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills, SM Abu Tayab, a former vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Nazmul Karim Chowdhury Sharun, a director of the CCCI, and Mahfuzul Hoque Shah, a former director, also spoke at the event.
Source: The Daily Star
