Businesspeople optimistic about positive outcome of PM's India trip
Bdnews, Dhaka
Business leaders, who accompanied Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during her recent visit to India, termed the outcome of the bilateral meeting as positive that would help reduce the growing trade imbalance between the two countries.They said India's intention to increase investment in Bangladesh to reduce the yawning trade gap, could be a good effort. India also indicated its readiness to facilitate easy access for goods from the neighbouring country, they said. "The Task Force, jointly formed by Bangladesh and India businesspeople, will submit a detailed and concrete report on trade issues in next six months," Mir Nasir Hossain, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), told the news agency. He hoped this high-profile visit would pave the way for further discussion on different contentious issues, including trade related ones, between the two countries. During Khaleda's visit to India from March 20-22, the two countries signed two pacts, including a revised trade treaty. Bangladesh has been seeking removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers by India to allow its goods' easy access in the country. But Bangladeshi businessmen are blaming India for long for not taking any move to raise imports from the country. President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters' Association (BKMEA) Fazlul Hoque said the progress made during the bilateral meeting was positive. "I think the outcomes of the meeting are alright," he said, adding India's intention to invest in Bangladesh and export the products to India would help reducing the trade imbalance. Hoque, who was also included in the Bangladesh trade delegation, said the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) placed 11-point proposals to find out ways to reduce the trade gap, heavily favouring India. Director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association (BGMEA) SM Fazlul Hoque said although there was no concrete outcome from the India visit, it would give a framework for future talks. The joint Task Force will work together to identify barriers to improving trade between the two nations, FBCCI president said. "Committee for the Task Force will be formed within next 15 days and accordingly start working for preparing a detailed report, comprising barriers and prospects of business between India and Bangladesh," Nasir Hossain told the news agency.
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