The 15th Joint Working Group meeting between India and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka from 26-27 September. The meeting discussed a number of bilateral issues, including lifting of port restrictions, initial groundwork for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), harmonizing standards and mutual recognition, supply of essential goods to Bangladesh, construction of roads, etc.
Many bilateral issues like development were discussed. The issue of development of railway infrastructure was also discussed. The Union Commerce Ministry gave this information.
From the Indian side, the meeting was led by Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, and from the Bangladesh side, Noor Mohammad Mahbubul Haq, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, led the delegation of his country.
Strengthening regional connectivity through various modes of transport and infrastructural development of check posts, border posts etc. were also discussed in the meeting.
In the meeting, representatives of the two countries agreed to strengthen economic relations, regional cooperation, logistics and transit facilities.
Removal of trade restrictions and simplification of custom procedures were also discussed to further promote trade between the two countries.
India has approved the import of goods from Bangladesh by rail and has also provided the facility of custom clearance at the inland container depot itself.
This facility was given only last year, after which there has been a huge increase in import-export by rail in both the countries.
