Exports to India may rise if trade processes eased

Exports from Bangladesh to India would increase if the process of conducting trade is made easier as there is ample demand for local products in the neighbouring country, according to Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi.

Munshi made this comment during a meeting with the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma at the secretariat in Dhaka yesterday.

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Bangladesh is now capable of supplying products that meet global standards at relatively low prices, he said.

"So, it is necessary to increase the trade capacity of land ports along the India-Bangladesh border," Munshi added.

The commerce minister went on to say that border haats have generated a lot of interest among the people of both countries.

In addition, people's movement across the border will increase if visa issuance becomes easier, he said.

Addressing the meeting, Verma said the Indian government has always given more importance to Bangladesh in regard to improving bilateral trade.

India's business, trade and cooperation with Bangladesh have increased a lot and the communication system has improved, he added.

Verma then said the construction of a pipeline for transporting petroleum products from India to Bangladesh has been completed. It is expected that the pipeline will be ready for use from next February.

"This will benefit the people of both countries," the Indian high commissioner added.