India and Bangladesh discuss removal of Port restrictions, CEPA

DHAKA : Removal of port restrictions, ground work on commencement of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), harmonisation of and mutual recognition of standards and supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh were among the issues discussed at the 15th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka recently.

Other issues discussed included development of road and rail infrastructure, regional connectivity through multi-modal transportation and creation and strengthening of infrastructure in land customs stations, integrated check posts and local markets at the border, said a release from the Indian ministry of commerce and industry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper economic engagement, regional cooperation and sustainable development.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary in the Indian department of commerce and Noor Mohammad Mahbubul Haq, Additional Secretary in the Bangladesh commerce ministry.

India in May last year allowed exports from Bangladesh to India by rail in closed containers, with customs clearance facility at any inland container depot.