Bangladesh, India business communities to form task forces to boost trade, investment

Business leaders from Bangladesh and India have agreed to form business-to-business (B2B) task forces to address trade and investment barriers and strengthen bilateral commercial cooperation.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the FBCCI office in Motijheel today (18 August).

The proposed task forces will focus on infrastructure investment and emerging technologies, while the two sides also plan to maintain regular business engagements and organise sector-specific delegations.

Bangladeshi exporters currently face several non-tariff barriers in the Indian market, including testing and certification requirements, customs procedures, port restrictions, licensing rules and high logistics costs.

India also imposed restrictions in 2025 on the entry of ready-made garments, processed food, plastics, furniture and other Bangladeshi products through designated land ports.

FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque said Bangladesh could draw lessons from India's experience in attracting private and foreign investment in infrastructure.

He also stressed the need to attract investment beyond the energy sector amid challenges related to gas and electricity supplies.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said Indian companies are interested in expanding their investments in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare and emerging sectors.

The proposed technology task force may explore cooperation in areas including semiconductors, hydrogen, green energy, battery storage, high-speed rail, data centres, artificial intelligence and solar manufacturing.

The business leaders expressed hope that stronger commercial ties between the two countries would help create a more positive environment for broader Bangladesh-India relations.