Dhaka: Bangladesh and India have agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced 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.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the commerce adviser made these remarks during a conversation with reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The minister noted that while the high commissioner’s visit was primarily a courtesy call to welcome the new government, discussions also covered various aspects of increasing trade between the two countries. Talks included the reopening of some closed land ports.
Muktadir highlighted that 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 stated. The high commissioner is expected to discuss these issues at higher levels in India, while Bangladesh plans to raise the matters in the cabinet.
In response to a question, Muktadir clarified that there was no discussion on the future of Indian-funded projects. Regarding the possibility of fuel and food shortages if the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to the Iran war, the minister indicated that shipping costs would rise in that scenario. However, he assured that there is no immediate concern as the situation could be resolved within a couple of days. If necessary, the government would take alternative measures, and there is currently no shortage of goods in the country.