Sub-Regional Independent Taskforce submits memorandum to PM on maritime connectivity for all countries in the sub-region 

Guwahati, Sep 14: Sub-Regional Independent Taskforce on connectivity and cooperation in a memorandum to Prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has proposed to promote port of Mongla in Bangladesh as a potential source of maritime connectivity for all countries in the sub-region (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan). 

The memorandum endorsed by leaders of civil society and chambers of commerce from both India and Bangladesh and providing recommendations for enhancing Indo-Bangla Trade, was submitted to Dr Singh on last Monday by the newly constituted Sub-Regional Independent Taskforce on Connectivity and Cooperation. It was also submitted to Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of external affairs, government of India and Bangladesh Embassy.  

The task force has emerged out of a stakeholder consultation organised by CUTS International (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) at Agartala last month. 

The formation of this sub-regional taskforce is an important landmark in the evolution of Indo-Bangla trading relations as it represents a concerted effort to bring together representatives of civil society and chambers of commerce in both countries in influencing the future trajectory of trading relationships”, said Siddhartha Mitra, Convener of the Indian segment of the newly minted taskforce and Head, CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics and Environment.    

“The recommendations of the taskforce include the facilitation of land, maritime and riverine connectivity for Indian goods through Bangladesh which would prove to be a win-win solution for both countries as it would greatly reduce transportation costs for India and yield significant revenues for Bangladesh”, said Anil Saraf, Director International Trade of Federation of industry &commerce of North eastern region (FINER)  

According to a statement issued FINER, “A move is also being made to invite representatives from Nepal and Bhutan to the taskforce so that an integrated approach to the enhancement of trade in the sub-region can be followed. It has to be noted that India is a source of connectivity to Bangladeshi merchandise headed for Nepal and Bhutan and vice-versa and therefore these countries would play an important role in Indo-Bangla trading relations and in turn be affected by related developments,”   

According to the memorandum a joint private logistical venture involving India and Bangladesh could be facilitated by business associations with the prior approval of the governments of Bangladesh and India. 

The memorandum also requested for up gradation of facilities at Land Customs Station besides joint initiatives for capacity building of customs and immigration officials, direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Guwahati and bus connectivity on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Shillong route. 

The proposed private airline connecting all the capital cities of North Eastern States should be extended to Dhaka and Paro to facilitate easy passenger travel from North East to Bangladesh and Bhutan.