Indian delegation in Dhaka to explore trade, investment

A 14-member delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is now in Bangladesh to explore opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation with Bangladesh.

They arrived in Dhaka yesterday and will stay until Wednesday, according to the High Commission of India in Dhaka.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Led by CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, the delegation includes senior representatives from Indian companies in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, engineering, automobiles, manufacturing and energy, the high commission said.

The delegation includes representatives from Bharat Biotech, Infravision Foundation, Godrej Industries, Arvind Limited, LMW Global, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro, Forbes Marshall, Numaligarh Refinery, Apollo Hospitals and Indian Oil Corporation.

The delegation is scheduled to meet senior government officials, including Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

It will also hold discussions with Bangladeshi business leaders, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), which is hosting a luncheon for the delegation. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo will attend the event as chief guest.

FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque said the discussions would focus on expanding bilateral trade and encouraging Indian companies to consider Bangladesh as an investment destination.

“An investor will naturally make a comparative analysis -- what happens if they invest there and what happens if they invest here,” Fazlul told The Daily Star.

He said Bangladesh’s large domestic market, competitive manufacturing base and access to international markets could make it an attractive location for Indian investment.

Indian companies, he said, could potentially manufacture in Bangladesh for both the domestic market and exports to India and other destinations.

Fazlul also said that Bangladesh should push for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers that limit its exports to India. “India is our important neighbour in every respect and, because of its proximity, our nearest large market,” he said.

Bilateral trade between Dhaka and Delhi reached about $12.36 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, according to the High Commission of India in Dhaka. India exported goods worth $10.56 billion to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh’s exports to India stood at $1.78 billion.

The trade imbalance is likely to remain an important issue in discussions between the two sides. At the same time, business leaders say political differences between the two countries should not disrupt commercial relations.

“As businesses, we want to see trade and commerce continue without barriers,” Fazlul added.