Govt eyes reopening land ports, border haats to boost India trade: Commerce minister

Bangladesh and India have discussed reopening closed border haats, restoring land ports to full operational capacity, and lifting the existing restrictions on yarn imports through land routes as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the Secretariat today (24 August).

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade and addressing obstacles faced by businesses in the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the commerce minister said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India currently stands at around $13 billion.

"Trade activities have slowed somewhat due to several impediments that have emerged over the past one and a half years," Muktadir said.

"The meeting focused on identifying these challenges and exploring ways to make trade relations between the two countries easier and more effective in the future," he said.

The minister said India is Bangladesh's second-largest trading partner after China, with the two countries maintaining longstanding economic ties.

He said the meeting placed particular emphasis on bringing land ports back to full capacity, reopening closed border haats, and lifting the existing restrictions on yarn imports through land routes.

The commerce minister also said proposals were discussed to establish a joint task force to enhance cooperation between businesses in the two countries and to develop digital infrastructure.

"These initiatives are aimed at creating new investment opportunities, expanding business ties and accelerating bilateral trade", he added.

The minister expressed hope that the Indian high commissioner's initiatives would help further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations and open a new chapter in economic cooperation.