United News of Bangladesh

A high-level Indian business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is visiting Bangladesh from August 17-19 and seeks to further strengthen the longstanding economic and commercial engagement between Bangladesh and India. Discussions during the visit will also focus on addressing issues of mutual interest and mutual benefit, identifying emerging areas of cooperation, and facilitating greater engagement between businesses of the two countries, officials said on Monday. Both sides will explore opportunities for greater economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries. The delegation, led by Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, comprises 14 business leaders representing prominent Indian companies and institutions, including Bharat Biotech, Infravision Foundation, Godrej Industries, Arvind Limited, LMW Global, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Forbes Marshall, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Apollo Hospitals and Indian Oil Corporation, along with officials from the CII Secretariat. During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet senior members of the government of Bangladesh, including Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister of Commerce; Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of Finance and Planning; and Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity for exchanging views on strengthening bilateral trade and investment, enhancing business-to-business linkages and exploring new avenues of economic cooperation, officials said. The delegation will also participate in a luncheon meeting with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), which will be graced by Abdul Awal Mintoo, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the chief guest. During the luncheon, the delegation will interact with leading Bangladeshi businesses and industry representatives. Bangladesh and India continue to enjoy largest trading relationships in South Asia. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately US$11.39 billion in FY2024–25, with Bangladesh exporting goods worth US$1.76 billion to India and importing US$9.62 billion, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB). ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman recently underscored the importance of stronger private sector engagement to unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable economic growth. He emphasised the importance of improving market access for Bangladeshi products, reducing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, simplifying customs procedures and concluding the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity to reduce the trade gap. Rahman reiterated the importance of resolving the anti-dumping measures affecting Bangladeshi exports, particularly jute and jute products, and called for continued dialogue to ensure fair and transparent trade remedies. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi recently said Bangladesh and India possess all the ingredients necessary to emerge as a global economic powerhouse. He observed that both countries have exceptional strengths in innovation, education, healthcare and human capital, and stressed that these advantages should be translated into stronger economic cooperation and sustainable development. The High Commissioner said many longstanding bilateral issues could be resolved through sustained engagement and dialogue at the highest political level. He emphasised the indispensable role of the private sector in driving economic growth, investment and employment, noting that businesses are the foundation of a stable and prosperous economy.