Assam and Meghalaya of India have expressed to have regular exchanges of views between their trade representatives and those of Bangladesh with the aim of promoting trade and tourism while settling any complexity that may emerge.
The move follows the visit of Mohammad Imran, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, to the two states on February 25, according to a press statement from the high commission. He met the top leaders and officials of the states during his visit.
The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India were working with India's north-eastern states, including Assam and Meghalaya, for the development and growth of Bangladesh's trade and tourism industry. During the envoy's courtesy call on Assam’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwal at his residence on February 27, Imran prioritised that cooperation on various issues of mutual interest should be increased.
He urged to introduce Assam’s people to the present development scenario of Bangladesh, and establish close communication between the people of the two regions through cultural and youth exchange programmes.
Chief Minister Sonwal called for regular meetings between the trade representatives of the two countries and those directly involved in imports and exports to increase bilateral trade and resolve trade complexities. On February 25, Imran visited Tamabil Customs Port Immigration Centre and Dauki Customs Port Immigration Centre in Meghalaya. The envoy attended a view-exchange meeting with local Indian business representatives. He also visited the new customs port area proposed by India in the border area of Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet.
In the evening on the same day, the High Commissioner met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.