A delegation of Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry held an exchange meeting with the Chittagong Chamber.
The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with a 16-member trade delegation led by the president of the Indian Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Subir Chakraborty met at Bangabandhu Conference Hall at the World Trade Center on Saturday morning for an exchange of views.
Chaired by Chittagong Chamber President Mahbubul Alam, former Chamber President Engineer Ali Ahmed and Director Mahfuzul Haque Shah, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Abida Mostafa, Karnaphuli Ship Builders Limited Advisor Consultant Captain Amirul Islam, Managing Director of Margin Group Engineer Golam Sarwar, Lub-Ref Director Salahuddin Yusuf, Junior Chamber International President Tipu Sultan Sikder spoke.
Chittagong Chamber President Mahbubul Alam said that geographically and economically there are many similarities and deep relations between the two countries which will contribute to the expansion of our business relations. For that we need to increase road, rail and air connectivity. Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy is very profitable. If we can further our economic activities around Tripura, both countries will benefit. Mentioning that there are many trade disparities between the two countries, this disparity can be eliminated through joint investment by businessmen. He invited Indian investors to invest and set up industrial factories in the large industrial area of Mirsarai Industrial City of Bangladesh.
Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Subir Chakraborty said that the culture of India and Bangladesh is similar which is very important for joint investment. In many cases joint ventures do not last long if there is no culture match.
He said, Chittagong port is not only the gateway of Bangladesh, it is the gateway of East. Both countries can benefit by increasing connectivity in the eastern region by connecting neighboring regions including the Seven Sisters of India with it.
Besides, Chittagong Chamber and Bengal Chamber can jointly work towards establishing an Eastern Region Network.
He said that the businessmen of West Bengal are interested in joint investment on the basis of partnership in neighbouring countries including Bangladesh. The economic activities of Bangladesh and India are cantered along the river and the sea. So River mentioned the investment potential in river cruises, artificial intelligence, leather processing, electricity, renewable energy and health sectors. Besides, the Look-East policy has the potential to increase economic relations in ASEAN countries based on long-term network with Bangladesh.
Former president of the chamber, Engineer Ali Ahmed said, India has no contradiction with Bangladesh. The proof of which is the exchange of peaceful corridors between the two countries. Both the countries have huge investment potential in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The speakers said that the two regions have a lot in common due to language and cultural similarities. By utilizing this opportunity, businessmen of both countries can expand business through joint investment. The businessmen of both the countries mentioned the investment potential of the SME sector including the manufacturing sector through the increase in connectivity.
Chamber directors Zahirul Islam Chowdhury (Alamgir), Anjan Shekhar Das, Md Iftekhar Faisal, Mohammad Adnanul Islam and Mohammad Nasirul Alam (Fahim), Reliance Shipping and Logistics Limited Chairman Mohammad Rashed, BSM Group Managing Director Abu Sufian Chowdhury were present.