Led by Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, Faruk Khan, a 21-member delegation arrived here late in the evening. The two countries are slated to sign an agreement to set up border haats, a traditional commodity market. Initially border haats are going to be started at two places along the international border at Sunamganj and Kurigram districts.
The trading will be held once a week in both the sides and an individual will not be able to trade above US $50 at the border haats. New Delhi has agreed not impose local tax on trading at the border.
The trading would be conducted in local currencies of the two nations. Farm and home made items produced within 10 Km radius of border haats would be traded at the markets to be set up within five Km of the international border.
The commodities to be traded in these haats include locally produced agriculture and horticulture products, spices, and minor forest products excluding timber, fresh and dry fish, dairy, fishery and poultry products, cottage industries items, wooden furniture and cane goods, handloom and handicraft items.
According to sources, issue of transition rights of goods to and from North-East via Bangladesh is likely to figure during the discussion. Entry of North-East bound trucks through Bangladesh is also likely to be discussed.
During the bilateral exchange between the visiting Commerce Minister and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma, India would insist on implementation of the transition rights. While Bangladesh might raise the issue of waiver of duties and lifting of non-tariff trade barriers on garment exports.
On his arrival, the Bangladesh Commerce Minister told newsmen that, “I always say business with India is very important for Bangladesh.”
“We do business with neighbouring countries and are trying hard to increase trade, he said.
The Commerce Minister is joining a meeting of Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for an interactive session ahead of his meeting with Sharma on Saturday.
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