Dhaka declaration adopted on connectivity with northeastern states of India
An eight-point declaration adopted by two major trade bodies in Dhaka yesterday to strengthen trade ties between Bangladesh and India, especially north-eastern states was handed over to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
V Saran, president of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and Matlub Ahmad, president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), signed the Dhaka declaration on conclusion of India-Bangladesh Investment Conclave, a seminar organised at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.
Several ministers and high-ups of the northeastern states of Bangladesh's next door neighbour were present at the ceremony.
The signatories to the declaration prioritised strengthening international trade infrastructures on both sides of the countries with special focus on states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
The Dhaka declaration also included connectivity through Chittagong Port -- considered the main driver of Indo-Bangla trade relations. Developing more navigable waterways, removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, tourism promotion, road connectivity between commercially viable locations and exchange of business and government delegations between the two sides are among the points incorporated in the declaration.
Both the parties also agreed to some specific references to four Indian states.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith, third from right, cuts a tape to inaugurate India Trade Fair 2010 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday. Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, far right, Chief Minister of Meghalaya DD Lapang, second from right, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Matlub Ahmad, third from left, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, second from left, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Annisul Huq, far left, are also seen. Photo: STARStar Business Report
In the case of Assam state, the declaration stressed enhancing navigability of the National Waterway 2 of India, which extends into Bangladesh, to facilitate smother movement of goods coming to and from Bangladesh.
Referring to the border trade centres, already existed at Golakganj and Mankachar in Dhubri district and Sutarkandi at Karimganj district of Assam, it also recommended that Bangladesh develop such border trade infrastructures on their side.
The declaration also said Bangladesh should remove trade barriers for smooth movement of goods through road and river routes.
About Tripura, the declaration insisted on expeditious implementation of the agreement reached between India and Bangladesh during the premier's recent Delhi visit for access to the Chittagong Port. It also asked for allowing movement of ODCs (over-dimensional cargoes) from Ashuganj, a river port on Bangladesh side, and opening of Sabroom-Ramgarh land custom station on the Indian side.
It also recommended direct bus service and air connectivity between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka, improved connectivity and transhipment facility and a national highway connected with Dhaka -Chittagong Road.
In the case of Mizoram state, the declaration suggested operationalisation of Thekemukh-Kawrpurichuah integrated check post, road connectivity upto Demagiri and construction of bridges connecting Mizoram with Bangladesh.
Before the finalisation of Dhaka declaration, Tripuran Industries Minister Jitendra Choudhury said at a business session that cement worth Tk1,000 crore is consumed in his state every year for the massive construction works. Bangladesh is the only major source of cement supplier for Tripura, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya BM Lanong said, "Now trade takes place between the two countries unofficially, we should make it official through enhancing connectivity."
L Sailo, Mizoram's trade and commerce minister, said formal trade between Bangladesh and Mizoram from land stations will start very soon as all procedures are nearing completion.
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