Bangladesh Commerce Minister
Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Indian business representatives had raised the
issue during recent discussions on expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Several Indian businesspeople who recently visited Bangladesh have already
invested in the country, he said. The
Indian business community has proposed stronger cooperation with Bangladeshi
companies to improve trade-related infrastructure. One proposal involves
establishing a joint task force focused on infrastructure investment, while
another calls for a trust involving local businesses to develop digital
infrastructure. The Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) recently sent a business delegation to Bangladesh to
explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and industrial
cooperation. Land-port delays and difficulties in moving raw materials were
among the concerns raised during the engagement. For Indian
manufacturers and exporters, efficient land-border operations are important for
maintaining predictable supply chains and controlling logistics costs. Improved
port infrastructure and smoother customs procedures could also support greater
movement of goods between the two countries. The
Bangladesh government has welcomed the proposals and is considering measures to
improve the investment environment. At the same time, a US trade delegation has
also expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh and submitted
recommendations aimed at making the country more attractive to foreign
investors. The renewed focus on land-port
connectivity comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand trade and attract foreign
investment, while Indian businesses look for more efficient routes for
supplying raw materials and accessing the Bangladeshi market.