Bangladesh has urged India to lift restrictions on its exports through Indian land ports, withdraw anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film, and continue tariff preferences after the country graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Dhaka raised the demands at the two-day 16th meeting of the Bangladesh–India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade in New Delhi, according to an official release made available in Dhaka.
The 10-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Ayesha Akhter, additional secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, also sought continued access to existing tariff benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement after graduation.
To facilitate access to the Indian market, Bangladesh called for harmonising product standards, promoting mutual recognition and simplifying certification procedures under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The delegation also sought improvements to infrastructure at Indian land customs stations, including access roads, parking areas, warehouses, sheds and cargo inspection and quarantine facilities.
Increasing land port capacity and speeding up cargo clearance were also discussed as ways to reduce delays and the cost of cross-border trade.
Bangladesh called for greater access for its freight trucks travelling through Indian territory to Nepal and Bhutan, alongside broader expansion of freight movement across South Asia.
The delegation also proposed operationalising the CEOs’ Forum to strengthen direct engagement between businesses in the two countries and identify opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment.
The two sides discussed improving trade routes, including the Akhaura–Agartala link, strengthening rail connectivity and resolving issues related to border haats.
India proposed removing restrictions on the export of cotton yarn and other products to Bangladesh through certain land ports.
New Delhi also sought the easing of barriers affecting exports from northeastern Indian states to Bangladesh, along with better regional connectivity and expanded multimodal transport links.
Both countries emphasised the need to cut the time and cost of bilateral trade through more efficient land ports, streamlined customs procedures and improved border operations.
Removing market access barriers and improving cargo movement remain key to converting the two countries’ trade potential into greater commercial opportunities.
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