Bangladesh’s exports to India is facing hurdles due to some non- tariff barriers imposed by state governments of the neighbouring country. Removal of such barriers could benefit trade between the two countries, thus further strengthening the bilateral relations. Speakers made these observations at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day exhibition of Indian manmade fibre (MMF) textiles styled ‘intexpo Bangladesh 2016,’ that began at a city hotel on Monday. The exhibition has been organised by the Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council, India (S RTEPC) in association with High Commission of India supported by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (IBCCI). It is the 9th edition of such exhibition by SRTEPC in Bangladesh. Export of garments and jute goods face many kinds of alternative duties like countervailing duties (CVDs) in India which is a matter of concern for Bangladeshi exporters, said economic affairs adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Dr Mashiur Rahman. Dr Rahman expressed his views while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function. He said the state governments of India imposed such duties and Indian central government should find out a way to remove such barriers. He said the two countries have now going through a comprehensive bilateral relation and trade which will continue for the mutual benefit of the two countries, said Mr Rahman. Mashiur Rahman said Bangladesh is the biggest importer of Indian cotton which has greatly been benefitting the two friendly nations. He said Bangladeshi small investors could be benefitted by importing cheaper Indian capital machineries for their garment and textile factories. Export and import between the two countries have a noteworthy contribution to both of their economic growth, he said. He also advocated for ‘a common consultation mechanism’ of the two countries who could deal with exports-imports and related barriers. Indian Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka Dr Adarsh Swaika said economic relation of his country with Bangladesh is different than that of others as the two countries have strong bilateral relations through shared border, river and coastal communications. He said trade between the two friendly neighbours reached $7.0 billion in recent times. Dr Swaika expressed the view that exchanges of exhibitions by the businesses of the two countries could help raise trade between them. IBCCI vice president Dewan Sultan Ahmed said the two countries are in a very cordial relation in every sphere of life, especially in business. He said Bangladesh imports 26.1 million bales of cotton worth US $8.0 billion of which Indian share is 49 per cent. He said garment of Bangladesh is now facing 12.5 per cent CVD in many Indian states and it should be removed. Jute exporters of Bangladesh are facing anti-dumping duties by Indian authorities which also should be resolved, he said. He said Bangladesh is going to be a middle income country after achieving the lower middle income status. The domestic market of Bangladesh has been increasing outstandingly which is an alluring one, he said. Mr Ahmed invited Indian textile industries to invest in Bangladesh and produce products in the country.
