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Bangladesh has urged India to remove restrictions on Bangladeshi exports, including land port-related barriers and non-tariff obstacles, and withdraw anti-dumping duties imposed on Bangladeshi products.
The issues were raised at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group on Trade, held in New Delhi on October 8–9.
The two-day meeting focused on easing bilateral trade barriers, improving land port facilities and strengthening regional connectivity.
Bangladesh called for a review of restrictions affecting the entry of its goods into the Indian market, as well as the removal of anti-dumping duties on jute products and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.
It also sought continued tariff preferences for Bangladeshi exports to India after the country graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category.
The Bangladeshi delegation emphasised improving market access, harmonising product standards and simplifying certification procedures, including requirements under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Dhaka also proposed expanding the movement of goods to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory to facilitate regional trade.
Improving infrastructure at Indian land customs stations, including warehouses, parking areas, inspection facilities and quarantine services, was another priority.
India, meanwhile, raised restrictions affecting the export of cotton yarn and other products to Bangladesh, particularly through designated land ports. The two sides also discussed rail connectivity, border haats and measures to reduce the time and cost of cross-border trade.
The 10-member Bangladeshi delegation was led by Ayesha Akter, additional secretary at the Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting provided a platform for both countries to discuss outstanding trade issues and explore ways to improve bilateral commercial relations.
