Shillong, May 18: Meghalaya government is keen to deepen economic and trade ties with Bangladesh. Conrad Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya expressed this optimism when the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Md. Mustafizur Rahman, paid a courtesy visit to his office today.
The Chief Minister apprised the High Commissioner about the opportunities and possibilities of expanding trade and commerce of Bangladesh in the state of Meghalaya. In particular, he highlighted the possibility of direct import of garments, plastic products, electronic products, processed food and frozen food from Bangladesh. The Chief Minister also laid emphasis on strengthening mutual partnership in global value chain and diversification of products. He sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in developing and flourishing Meghalaya’s tourism industry., according to a Press release.
Referring to Bangladesh’s historical relationship with Meghalaya, High Commissioner Rahman emphasized on enhancing connectivity with the state and increasing people-to-people interactions. He said that the governments of Bangladesh and India are working to promote connectivity with the North-eastern states by road, rail and river. He also highlighted the willingness of the present government of Bangladesh to boost trade ties with the North-eastern part of India. He further mentioned that the investors of Meghalaya have ample opportunity to invest in different sectors of Bangladesh. The High Commissioner also drew the Chief Minister’s attention to the reopening of the closed land customs stations in the border areas at the earliest possible.
Earlier, the Bangladesh High Commissioner held a meeting with the Industries & Trade Fair Association of Assam in Guwahati. During the official trip, he will visit several land customs stations along the border and hold meetings with the business communities and trade representatives at Dawki and Tamabil in Meghalaya.