Bangladesh has urged India to lift export restrictions, withdraw anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film, and maintain tariff preferences after the country graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category.
The demands were raised at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade held in New Delhi from Thursday, where the two countries discussed ways to remove trade barriers and improve cross-border connectivity.
Bangladesh wants existing tariff benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement to continue after its LDC graduation, alongside the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting its exports.
Easier access to Indian market
Dhaka has called for a review of restrictions on Bangladeshi goods entering India through land ports, as well as the withdrawal of anti-dumping duties on jute products and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.
It has also sought simpler procedures for obtaining certification from India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), better alignment of product standards and mutual recognition of certificates to ease compliance for exporters.
Bangladesh believes these measures would improve the competitiveness of its products and facilitate access to the Indian market.
Better border infrastructure sought
Bangladesh has urged India to upgrade land customs stations by improving access roads, parking areas, warehouses, cargo sheds, inspection facilities and quarantine services.
The proposed improvements are expected to reduce cargo clearance delays and cut transportation costs for traders.
Dhaka has also sought expanded transit facilities for cargo trucks travelling to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory.
The two sides discussed improving rail links, multimodal transport and commercial routes, including the Akhaura-Agartala connection. They also considered strengthening direct engagement between businesses through a chief executives’ forum.
India seeks removal of its export curbs
India, meanwhile, has proposed easing restrictions on its exports to Bangladesh, particularly those involving cotton yarn and other products routed through designated land ports.
The two sides also discussed trade barriers affecting exports from India’s northeastern states to Bangladesh, along with customs procedures, border management and the operation of border haats.
A 10-member Bangladesh delegation led by Ayesha Akter, an additional secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, attended the two-day meeting, which began on Thursday.
The talks aim to expand bilateral trade by easing market-access restrictions, improving border infrastructure and reducing delays in cross-border cargo movement.