Guwahati, Feb 24: Bangladesh information and broadcasting minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said the proximity of the Chittagong Port with Assam will not only reduce transportation costs but also boost trade and commerce activities with the state.
“Bangladesh is focused on improving people-to-people contact with India and strengthening connectivity to improve trade and business through waterways, railways and airways,” Mahmud, who is on a visit to the city, said at a programme organised by the Indian Chambers of Commerce (ICC) here.
“Chittagong Port has a long historical association with Assam and the region since the British colonial period. The century-old seaport has been redeveloped to handle cargo ships with deeper depths. Chittagong Port is nearer to Guwahati compared to Haldia Port of Kolkata. This will not only reduce transportation costs but also boost trade and commerce activities,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Mahmud deliberated on the similarities on food, attire, culture, language between Assam and Bangladesh.
Deliberating on the vibrant trade activities prior to Independence through the territories, which are now Bangladesh, Assam industries and commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, “The Barak River used to carry vessels from Chittagong and other ports of then East Bengal to this region. With the formulation of the Act East Policy by the Centre, the disrupted traditional trade routes are gradually being restored and reconnected through the Chittagong and Mongla Ports.”
It may be mentioned that in a major development recently, the first 260 metric tonnes digester package of Numaligarh Refinery Limited reached Silghat in Assam from Kolkata via river route through Bangladesh.
Patowary called upon the Bangladesh ministry officials to offer necessary support and cooperation to augment the volume of trade from Assam.
“Bangladesh can take the opportunities of potential sectors of Assam like ethanol, methanol, plastic, hydrocarbon to improve trade and business,” he said.
During the event, India-Bangladesh trade portal was also launched which will facilitate the business fraternity of the two countries.
Database of exporters and importers of both Northeast India and Bangladesh will be uploaded on the portal which will enable collaboration between buyers and sellers and also allow business dealings and negotiations among the two sides.
