They expressed their views while taking part in different sessions of the two-day seminar on 'Trade & Investment between Bangladesh and North-eastern States of India' that concluded at a local hotel yesterday.

Indian trade officials from the north-eastern region who also attended the seminar assured the business community of all out support to promoting the regional trade with Bangladesh.

Sylhet Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) and the Indian High commission in Dhaka jointly organised the trade promotion seminar. SCCI president Mohiuddin Ahmed chaired the concluding session.

RR Dash, minister (E&C) of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said the Indian authority would extend support to Bangladesh business community to develop trade relations with the seven land-locked Indian states.

He stressed the need for exchange of trade delegations and holding of Bangladeshi products fair in the Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura.

Abdur Razzaque Chowdhury, former president of SCCI, chaired the first session where Tapan Chattapadhya, deputy director general of Federation of Indian Export Promotion Organisations, spoke on boosting trade with India.

SK Tiwari, additional chief secretary of the government of Meghalaya spoke on trade, investment and tourism opportunities in his state.

RC Agarwal, president of the Northeast Federation of International Trade, Guwahati, underlined the need for exploring new areas of cooperation and developing sub regional trade relations with Bangladesh.

ML Debnath, president of Tripura Chamber of Commerce & Industry emphasised immediate development of border trade infrastructures in both the regions, easier visa system and increased travel facilities.

Sunil Kumar, general secretary of the North East Federation of International Trade, Shillong suggested for undertaking joint venture projects in the industrial sector and opening a visa office at Shillong.

Former president of SCCI, MA Salam Chowdhury called for easing the PSI (pre-shipment inspection) related problems in border trade with seven sisters as the PSI officials are based in Kolkata.

MS Sekil Chowdhury, president, Investors Forum, Bangladesh suggested formation of a joint task force on development of tourism in the north-eastern India and Sylhet.

Senior Vice President of SCCI, Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice President Haji Md Dilwar Hossain, Engr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Selim Adamjee and Muhibur Rahman also spoke at the session.