A recently held discussion between Bangladesh and India on trade, commerce, industry and connectivity, which was jointly organised by Bangladesh Itihas Sammilani and Kolkata-based Research Centre for Eastern and North Eastern Regional Studies in Dhaka, saw Bangladesh Commerce Minister, Tofail Ahmed advocating for cooperation between the two countries on trade-related issues.
Ahmed said that India should show liberal attitude toward its neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh on trade.
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Expressing his concern on the existing scenario, Ahmed said, “Although all Bangladeshi goods, except for tobacco and alcohol, get duty-free access to the Indian market at present, exporters are unable to reap full benefits of trade privileges for tariff and non-tariff barriers.” Adding, “If India becomes mindful of such issue small neighbouring countries like us will be benefitted.”
The Commerce Minister further informed that he has raised the issue of withdrawing the countervailing duty with his Indian counterpart but added that some new barriers have also been imposed. Evidently, Bangladesh’s main export item garment is subjected to 12.5 per cent countervailing duty to enter the Indian market.
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Participating in the discussion, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue Mustafizur Rahman stressed on the implementation of the sub-regional accord on the movement of goods and people. while President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdul Matlub Ahmad harped on easing restrictions on people’s entry to India if the historic motor vehicle agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal is to be made successful.
