The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 26th and 27th, 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Mr. Noor Md. Mahbubul Haq, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
During the 15th JWG Meeting, both sides engaged in discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues. These included the removal of port restrictions, groundwork for the commencement of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), harmonization of standards, mutual recognition of standards, and the supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh. Additionally, the meeting addressed topics such as the development of road and rail infrastructure, regional connectivity through multi-modal transportation, and the creation and strengthening of infrastructure in Land Customs Stations/Integrated Check Posts and border haats.
The bilateral meeting concluded successfully, with both countries reiterating their commitment to deeper economic engagement, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. They expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced trade relations and mutual prosperity in the future.
The India-Bangladesh Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) Meetings are conducted annually to discuss critical trade-related issues and explore opportunities for economic and technical collaboration. These meetings serve as a platform for promoting, facilitating, expanding, and diversifying trade between the two nations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. They also play a vital role in addressing bilateral issues, streamlining customs procedures, and improving infrastructure, logistics, and transit facilities to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.
Both India and Bangladesh have implemented several trade facilitative measures to enhance trade between the countries. India, for instance, has allowed exports from Bangladesh to India by rail in closed containers, offering customs clearance facilities at any Inland Container Depot (ICD) since May 17th, 2022. Bangladesh also reported the successful commencement of the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Port (ACMP) and the expansion of the number of goods traded through various Land Custom Stations (LCSs). These initiatives aim to further strengthen economic ties and boost trade between the two neighboring nations.
