18-Member Indian Business Delegation Arrives in Dhaka to Boost Trade and Investment

An 18-member delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has arrived in Dhaka for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and India. The delegation arrived on Monday, August 17, and will remain in Bangladesh until Tuesday. It is scheduled to meet government officials, business leaders and investment stakeholders to discuss trade expansion, new investment opportunities and stronger business cooperation.

The delegation is expected to meet Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and officials from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Representatives from major Indian companies, including Godrej Industries, Arvind Limited, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro, Forbes Marshall, Numaligarh Refinery, Beximco IOC Petroleum and Apollo Hospitals, are part of the delegation.

The talks are expected to cover market access, tariff and non-tariff barriers, border infrastructure and new investment opportunities. The delegation has also expressed interest in meeting the prime minister, although no official details have been announced. Bangladesh and India conduct about $12 billion in annual trade, but the balance is heavily in India’s favour. Bangladesh exports about $2 billion worth of goods to India, while importing significantly more. The visit comes amid strained political relations between the two countries. Although there may be problems, the visit of the businessmen should help in sustaining economic relations and exploring further avenues for trade and investment.