The Bangladesh Government has now expressed interest in resolving trade issues with India, after India announced curbs on Bangladeshi exports via land ports. An adviser to the Interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, stated that Bangladesh wants to discuss all issues with India. Notably, India has imposed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) and other products through its north-eastern land ports. These include Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Fulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry imposed immediate port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh, following a directive issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Bangladesh Ready To Resolve ‘Problems’
Sheikh Bashiruddin, Commerce Adviser of Bangladesh interim government, has responded to the restrictions imposed by India, which are expected to impact Bangladesh’s exports. He said that if any problem arises, both sides will discuss and try to “resolve” them.
“We do not know anything officially about India’s steps yet. We will be able to take action after we know officially. If any problems arise, both sides will discuss and try to resolve them”, Bashiruddin said.
He added that they have heard about the restrictions from social media and news. “We have learned from social media and news that they (India) have taken some decisions regarding land ports, especially Akhaura and Dawki ports, and some border areas. Our main goal is to achieve competitiveness. This is a profitable matter for both countries”, he stated.
Bangladesh Not Affected By Trans-Shipment
Bashiruddin further declared that Bangladesh is not affected by trans-shipment and it has solved problems regarding it.
“We think that India itself is a rich country in the textile or clothing industry. Even then, when these products are exported from our country, it is based on our capabilities. We are not affected by trans-shipment. We have solved this problem on our own using our capabilities,” he added.
Speaking on the restrictions imposed by both sides, he stated that it is a process of trade management.
“Since we are a geographically connected country, our competitiveness, transportation costs and other factors are fixed. In this regard, we impose restrictions on the import of our agricultural products at different times, India also does. This is a process of trade management and we are working on that. If a problem arise or develops there, both parties will discuss and try to resolve it”, Bashiruddin asserted.
Bashiruddin highlighted that he believes in liberal trade and sees no other path than trade inclusion to empower the business and consumers of Bangladesh.
