Land ports, border haats to reopen to expand trade with India: Commerce minister

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has expressed hope that closed land ports and border haats will be reopened to advance Bangladesh–India bilateral trade and economic relations by removing obstacles created during the interim government period.

Speaking to reporters today (2 March) after a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma at the Secretariat, he said discussions were also held on utilising India’s digital infrastructure and on the Bangladesh–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The Indian high commissioner also told journalists that similar issues were discussed.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, the minister said, “The volume of trade between the two countries is approximately $11 billion. Bangladesh imports goods worth $9.5 billion from India and exports about $1.5 billion.”

“In this context, trade relations with India are extremely important. We discussed potential areas that could be unlocked in the coming days to expand bilateral trade,” he added.

“We discussed gradually reopening border haats and land ports to strengthen trade relations. At present, except for Benapole, other land ports remain closed,” he said.

“India has made significant progress in science and technology. We also discussed how Bangladesh can benefit from India’s infrastructure as well as scientific and technological support,” Muktadir said.

Referring to restrictions imposed by both sides over the past one and a half years following various developments, the minister said these measures created certain obstacles in trade. He expressed hope that as trade routes expand in the future, these problems would be resolved.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said, “There already exists a strong trade and economic relationship between the two countries. We discussed ways to make it easier and move it forward through deeper engagement. We also talked about how our geographical proximity can be utilised for economic advancement.”

 “India and Bangladesh are two major economies in the region and have significant opportunities to work together. Both countries intend to move relations forward while prioritising their respective national interests,” he added.

The high commissioner said no specific talks were held on CEPA and transshipment, although these issues are connected to bilateral trade and economic relations. He emphasised the importance of reopening the land ports.