Meghalaya keen to deepen trade ties with Bangladesh

The state government of Meghalaya of India is keen to deepen economic and trade ties with Bangladesh, said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, highlighting the possibility of direct import of garments, plastic products, electronic products, processed food and frozen food. 

Sangma stated this when the high commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Md Mustafizur Rahman, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Shillong on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Bangladesh high commission.

The chief minister apprised the high commissioner about the opportunities and possibilities of expanding trade and commerce of Bangladesh in Meghalaya.

"In particular, he highlighted the possibility of direct import of garments, plastic products, electronic products, processed food and frozen food from Bangladesh," the release said.

The chief minister laid emphasis on strengthening mutual partnership in global value chain and diversification of products and sought Bangladesh's cooperation in developing and flourishing Meghalaya's tourism industry.

Referring to Bangladesh's historical relationship with Meghalaya, Rahman emphasised on enhancing connectivity with northeastern Indian states and increasing people-to-people interactions.

He said governments of Bangladesh and India were working to promote connectivity with the northeastern states by road, rail and river.

He also highlighted the willingness of the present government of Bangladesh to boost trade ties with the northeastern part of India.

Rahman said investors of Meghalaya have ample opportunities 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 and Trade Fair Association of Assam in Guwahati.