Indian industry group proposes Bangladesh-India taskforces to boost trade and investment

Confederation of Indian Industry has proposed two joint business-to-business taskforces aimed at expanding Bangladesh-India trade and investment, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Tuesday.

One taskforce would focus on digital transformation, while the other would explore Indian investment and financing for Bangladesh infrastructure projects.

Muktadir said Indian businesses raised concerns about delays moving raw materials and goods through land ports, particularly Benapole. He said better cargo handling and smoother border movement could reduce costs and increase bilateral trade.

The minister said Bangladesh needs major investment in railways, highways, ports, liquefied natural gas infrastructure, and other sectors to become a trillion-dollar economy.

He also said Bangladesh logistics costs are about 16% of gross domestic product, compared with a global average of roughly 10%, contributing to higher consumer prices.