Indian businesses have urged Bangladesh to ensure institutional stability, policy consistency, and reduce logistics bottlenecks to enhance bilateral trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
They also expressed optimism that the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) between the two neighbouring countries could significantly expand trade and investment flows.
The observations came during a meeting between leaders of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and a visiting Bangladeshi media delegation in New Delhi.
Pankaj Tandon, a member of CII’s South Asia Committee, said that strengthening institutions and ensuring policy predictability are key to boosting investor confidence.
“To boost investment and trade, Bangladesh needs institutional stability, policy consistency, and stronger institutional accountability,” he noted.
He added that the current phase of Bangladesh-India relations is critical not only for sustaining existing ties but also for shaping the next stage of economic partnership to support Bangladesh’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
Describing Bangladesh as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, Tandon said bilateral trade stood at over $13 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
“Bangladesh’s industrial strength and India’s manufacturing and services sectors complement each other, creating opportunities for integrated regional value chains,” he said.
He also highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including medical tourism, food processing, agricultural value chains, the digital economy, startups, energy cooperation, and SME linkages.
According to Tandon, India’s expertise in digital public infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, manufacturing excellence, and sustainable development could support Bangladesh’s economic transformation.
Regarding restrictions on Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports through Indian land ports, he said CII could work jointly on the issue if Bangladeshi business chambers formally raise it.
He reaffirmed CII’s commitment to working closely with Bangladeshi organisations to deepen bilateral business-to-business engagement and strengthen economic cooperation.
At the event, Geetanjali Nataraj of CII delivered a presentation, while Manish Mohan, director of CII, also spoke.
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