Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami has said that the vast consumer market of India offers “enormous opportunities” for the quality food products from Bangladesh and in this context underscored the importance of linkages between the trade bodies.
He also highlighted duty-free-quota-free market access available to Bangladesh products under SAFTA since 2011 while speaking at the India-Bangladesh trade fair on agir products held virtually on Wednesday.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in association with Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association and India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised the fair on Wednesday.
The meet brought together key stakeholders from respective trade bodies and Governments on a common platform for strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the Agri Food Sector.
The High Commissioner emphasised that post LDC graduation, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is under active discussion of both the governments, will be a game changer for bilateral trade partnership.
He also emphasised the importance of finalising reciprocal arrangements with regard to food safety standards and rapid upgradation of logistics to enhance such trade.
Md. Alamgir, Chairman, Bangladesh Land Port Authority highlighted that Bangladesh government is in the process of phased development and upgradation of land ports worth BDT 1.5 billion and starting with ports at Benapole, Sutarkandi, Belonia and Ramgarh.
He added Land port authorities of both the countries are committed for seamless operation, passenger facilitation and timely handling of goods for the benefit of the business community.
Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President of India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) underscored that World Bank reports suggest that seamless transport connectivity between India and Bangladesh has the potential to significantly increase national incomes on both sides.
He urged the multilateral donors and private sector to invest in the development of ICDs, cold storages and warehousing facilities at the Land Custom Stations.
Infrastructure both digital and physical will benefit traders and the business community.
During the Conference, an E-Catalogue for the Virtual Buyer Seller Meet was released followed by Virtual Trade Fair B2B meeting and interaction between exporters and importers.
The event saw participation of more than 200 businesses from both the countries.
