Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Monday said Bangladesh and India possess all the ingredients necessary to emerge as a global economic powerhouse.
During a meeting with the leaders of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh) at its Secretariat, he observed that both countries have exceptional strengths in innovation, education, healthcare and human capital, and stressed that these advantages should be translated into stronger economic cooperation and sustainable development.
The High Commissioner said many longstanding bilateral issues could be resolved through sustained engagement and dialogue at the highest political level.
He emphasised the indispensable role of the private sector in driving economic growth, investment and employment, noting that businesses are the foundation of a stable and prosperous economy.
The Indian envoy also highlighted the significant opportunities for establishing joint venture industries in border areas, which could strengthen regional value chain, attract investment and create employment.
Reaffirming the High Commission's commitment to supporting the business community, he encouraged Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and investors to approach the High Commission whenever they encounter challenges in expanding bilateral trade and investment.
At the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and regional economic cooperation.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the longstanding friendship and growing economic partnership between Bangladesh and India.
He underscored the importance of stronger private sector engagement to unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable economic growth.
Bangladesh and India continue to enjoy largest trading relationships in South Asia. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately US$11.39 billion in FY2024–25, with Bangladesh exporting goods worth US$1.76 billion to India and importing US$9.62 billion.
The ICC Bangladesh President emphasised the importance of improving market access for Bangladeshi products, reducing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, simplifying customs procedures and concluding the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity to reduce the trade gap.
The meeting also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment, regional value chain, multimodal connectivity, renewable energy, cross-border power trade, digital commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, climate finance, sustainable manufacturing, healthcare, education and skills development.
ICC Bangladesh President further highlighted the importance of revitalising regional cooperation through SAARC, expediting implementation of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement, and advancing practical cooperation under BIMSTEC to enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and strengthen regional supply chains.
Rahman reiterated the importance of resolving the anti-dumping measures affecting Bangladeshi exports, particularly jute and jute products, and called for continued dialogue to ensure fair and transparent trade remedies.
During the interactive discussion, ICC Bangladesh Vice-President Naser Ejaz Bijoy emphasised the importance of facilitating business travel and called for further improvement in the issuance of business visas to strengthen commercial engagement between the two countries.
ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member Simeen Rahman highlighted the vast opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, business, healthcare, medical services and tourism.
She noted that India is home to many globally recognised companies and institutions, creating significant potential for enhanced partnerships and greater people-to-people and business-to-business collaboration.
ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member Abdul Hai Sarker expressed his optimism that many of the longstanding unresolved bilateral trade and business issues could be addressed during the tenure of the new High Commissioner, paving the way for stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, ICC Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to promoting stronger business-to-business cooperation through joint business councils, CEO forums, SME collaboration, startup exchanges, investment missions and technology partnerships.
The ICC Bangladesh President expressed its commitment to working closely with the High Commission of India and ICC India, under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), to further strengthen economic collaboration and promote a more prosperous, sustainable and mutually beneficial future for both Bangladesh and India.
The Meeting was also attended by ICCB Executive Board Member Tapan, Chowdhury, Pawan Kumar Badhe, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Gourab Kumar Agarwal, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce) High Commission of India to Bangladesh, ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman, General Manager Ajay Bihari Saha & Deputy General Manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.