India, Bangladesh Discuss Bilateral Economic, Commercial Cooperation
During the talks the two sides discussed reopening of border haats, making the land ports fully operational and lifting restrictions on the import of yarn through land routes by Dhaka
New Delhi: Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Mr Dinesh Trivedi on Monday held a meeting with the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute of Bangladesh, Mr. Khandaker Abdul Muktadir in Dhaka. During the talks the two sides discussed reopening of border haats, making the land ports fully operational and lifting restrictions on the import of yarn through land routes by Dhaka. The two sides also discussed forming a joint task force and developing digital infrastructure to increase cooperation between businesses, create new investment opportunities and accelerate trade.
The Indian High Commission in a statement said discussions took place on various aspects of bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
“The High Commissioner emphasised the important role of businesses and the private sector in steering the economic partnership for mutually beneficial trade and investment. A broad gamut of issues of mutual interest and mutual benefit was also discussed. The discussions also highlighted the importance of strong people-to-people ties as an enduring foundation of India-Bangladesh relations, and the need to further deepen connections between the business communities, professionals and people of the two countries,” the statement said.
“Let us have business-to-business together. Politics will continue in its own way, but it is our responsibility to deliver what people deserve. I have no doubt that the future is very positive. Let things take their own time, and let us work together for the people of both countries... Nobody is big and nobody is small. We are all equals, and we have to work on that footing,” Mr Trivedi told reporters after the meeting with Mr Muktadir.
Dhaka Tribune reported that he highlighted the importance of peace and prosperity adding prosperity would follow if peace could be ensured.
“I think it is the responsibility of both countries to ensure peace and prosperity for the young generation,” he said as per reports. Mr Trivedi also stressed the need to explore joint-venture business opportunities in Bangladesh, including projects in border areas, Dhaka Tribune reported.
Daily Star reported that Mr Muktadir pointed out that bilateral trade currently stands at around $13 billion, but trade activities had slowed somewhat over the past one and a half years because of several obstacles. The discussions were held on how to identify these problems and make trade relations between the two countries easier and more effective in the future, a statement from the minister’s office said.
