15th Meeting of Joint Working Group on Trade between India & Bangladesh

The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh marked a significant step towards enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening ties between the two nations. Held on 26th and 27th September, 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the meeting was co-chaired by distinguished representatives from both sides.

Leading the Indian delegation was Shri Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary from the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. On the Bangladeshi side, Mr. Noor Md. Mahbubul Haq, Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, took the helm. A wide array of bilateral issues were discussed during this productive meeting. The topics ranged from the removal of port restrictions to the groundwork for the commencement of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The harmonization of standards, mutual recognition of standards, and the crucial supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh were also deliberated upon.

The development of road and rail infrastructure, as well as regional connectivity through multi-modal transportation, featured prominently in the discussions. Additionally, there was emphasis on the creation and strengthening of infrastructure in Land Customs Stations/ Integrated Check Posts, and the promotion of border haats.

The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, with both nations reiterating their commitment to deeper economic engagement, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. The shared belief in the potential for enhanced trade relations and mutual prosperity resonated strongly.

The India-Bangladesh Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) Meetings, held annually, serve as a crucial platform for deliberating key trade-related matters. They aim to explore opportunities for economic and technical collaboration, promotion, facilitation, expansion, and diversification of trade between the two countries, all grounded in principles of equality and mutual benefit. Importantly, these meetings play a pivotal role in swiftly resolving bilateral issues by eliminating trade barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing infrastructure, logistics, and transit facilities for smoother cross-border trade.

Both India and Bangladesh have undertaken several trade facilitative measures, further solidifying their commitment to fostering seamless trade relations. Among these, India’s allowance for exports from Bangladesh by rail in closed containers, with customs clearance at any Inland Container Depot (ICD), stands as a testament to the proactive steps taken in this direction. Bangladesh’s successful commencement of the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Port (ACMP), along with the increase in goods traded through various Land Custom Stations (LCSs), further underscores the mutual dedication to bolstering economic cooperation.

This meeting sets a positive tone for future collaborations, demonstrating the shared vision for a stronger and more prosperous bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh.

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