Indian businesses are calling for Bangladesh-India land ports to be made fully operational, arguing that closures and limited operations are raising the cost of raw materials and disrupting cross-border supply chains.
Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Indian business representatives had raised the issue during recent discussions on expanding bilateral trade and investment. Several Indian businesspeople who recently visited Bangladesh have already invested in the country, he said.
The Indian business community has proposed stronger cooperation with Bangladeshi companies to improve trade-related infrastructure. One proposal involves establishing a joint task force focused on infrastructure investment, while another calls for a trust involving local businesses to develop digital infrastructure.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently sent a business delegation to Bangladesh to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation. Land-port delays and difficulties in moving raw materials were among the concerns raised during the engagement.
For Indian manufacturers and exporters, efficient land-border operations are important for maintaining predictable supply chains and controlling logistics costs. Improved port infrastructure and smoother customs procedures could also support greater movement of goods between the two countries.
The Bangladesh government has welcomed the proposals and is considering measures to improve the investment environment. At the same time, a US trade delegation has also expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh and submitted recommendations aimed at making the country more attractive to foreign investors.
The renewed focus on land-port connectivity comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand trade and attract foreign investment, while Indian businesses look for more efficient routes for supplying raw materials and accessing the Bangladeshi market.