LPG export to Tripura from Bangladesh a game changer: India

India has termed the export of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from Bangladesh to Tripura a 'game changer' with a potential to generate jobs and revenue for Bangladesh. 

"The export of LPG from Bangladesh (after importing from abroad) to Tripura is a game changer. It has the potential to generate jobs and revenue for Bangladesh," said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday.

On October 5, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi inaugurated three bilateral development partnership projects, including the import of bulk LPG from Bangladesh.

The government has already cleared misperception about the LPG export to India.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is not going to export natural gas but will process imported LPG which will be exported to India.

On standard operating system (SOP) on Chattogram and Mongla ports, the Indian High Commission said it will generate jobs, for example, it said, more labour will be required at ports; insurance companies will get business.

The Indian side said a completely new area of business will be available for Bangladeshi ship owners since only Bangladeshi shipping lines are allowed. "This is a win-win for India and Bangladesh."

On the inclusion of two additional routes under Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), the High Commission said the Dhulian-Gadagari-Rajshahi-Dauatdia-Aricha route will open up trade from Rajshahi. 

Similarly, Daudkandi-Sonamura route will open up trade on eastern side. Both the routes have been agreed to and will generate more business and jobs for both India and Bangladesh, it said.

The High Commission said both the countries have agreed to move towards a bilateral India-Bangladesh Motor Vehicles Agreement if BBIN does not move forward at the expected pace.

It said work on draft framework of interim sharing agreements for six rivers, namely Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar will be expedited.

There is also a draft framework of interim sharing agreement of the Feni River, which will be firmed up, said the High Commission.

The High Commission said the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underlined the fact that India accords top priority to its ties with Bangladesh. 

India recognised that Bangladesh is today its largest trading partner in South Asia and the total trade crossed US$ 10 billion with 52 percent increase in Bangladeshi exports which has crossed $1 billion.
 
Sharing the outcomes, the High Commission said anti-dumping on jute was discussed and both the countries directed officials to establish a framework of cooperation in the area of Trade Remedial Measures as early as possible. "This will have an important focus on capacity building as well."

Indian Prime Minister Modi has reaffirmed India's full support to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for realisation of her vision of ensuring a prosperous, peaceful and developed Bangladesh.