GUWAHATI: Enhancing trade ties with Bangladesh will be the focal point for Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi when he accompanies Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the neighbouring country next month.
“Improving trade and commerce with Bangladesh will definitely be the priority as it is beneficial to both sides,” Mr Gogoi said here, addressing a press conference.He said once connectivity to North East through Bangladesh is sorted out it would ensure easier means to access the region.
”We have to explore how best the road, rail and water ways can be used so that both India and Bangladesh benefit,” the Chief Minister added.He specifically mentioned about the drastic cut on cost of transportation of goods once NE can be accessed through Bangladesh by the rest of the country.The Chief Minister, however, added that there were certain issues that needed to be sorted out with the bordering country.
He said Bangladesh will also have to develop its infrastructure along the border if it wants to foster better trade ties with the country through NE.
”Issues of adverse land possession exists and it is being sorted out through joint survey at all contentious points,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has also invited him for a separate tour of the country at a later date when both sides can discuss specific issues concerning Bangladesh and Assam.Mr Gogoi also stressed on the need to improve trade ties with other bordering nations, like Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan, for better economic growth of the state.”I have already visited Bhutan a couple of weeks back and will also visit other neighbouring countries soon,” he added. (UNI)