Agartala: Sept 13: A conference titled “Exploring New Trade Routes: India’s North East to the Bay of Bengal via Bangladesh Transit Agreement” took place in Agartala, featuring prominent participants such as Smita Panth, Joint Secretary MEA (Bangladesh and Myanmar), Aditya Mishra, Chairman of the Land Port Authority of India, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, Arif Mohammad, representatives from The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), members from various import and export associations, and logistics professionals.
The primary focus of the conference centered on revitalizing historical connectivity between India and Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on addressing logistical challenges that hinder trade, including high transportation costs.
Discussions revolved around new connectivity routes and ongoing infrastructure development to enhance trade and people-to-people contact between the two nations.
Joint Secretary MEA expressed the mutual commitment of India and Bangladesh to improve connectivity, citing significant growth in trade volume, which reached $18 billion.
The focus was on reducing logistical costs and enhancing infrastructure to sustain this growth.
Efficient rail and inland water connectivity were highlighted for their environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The restoration of disrupted rail links and the inauguration of new ones, such as Akhaura-Agartala, were noted. Additionally, Sonamura-Dautkandi was added as a protocol route, connecting Tripura to national waterways.
She said that bilateral connectivity projects in Bangladesh received substantial financial commitments, indicating the high priority placed on connectivity by both nations’ political leadership.
Assistant High Commissioner Arif Mohammad emphasized that the crucial connectivity routes between India and Bangladesh in this region pass through Tripura, encompassing road, rail, and waterways and this shall not only benefit the state but the entire region.
Aditya Mishra, Chairman of the Land Port Authority of India, highlighted the benefits of new connectivity via Bangladesh for India’s Northeast region, anticipating new investments and reduced freight costs and transportation times, particularly with the opening of Chittagong sea port in Bangladesh.
The conference aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders about these new routes and gather feedback to maximize their advantages.
Mahaveer Singh, an international logistics business owner, raised concerns about excessively high transit fees imposed by the Bangladesh government for transporting freight from Chittagong port to India.
He also highlighted the impact of high labor and detention charges at Tripura’s land port on business operations.
