ZCZC
BSS-44
TIPU-CONNECTIVITY
Tipu for enhancing regional connectivity to achieve SDG target
DHAKA, Aug 20, 2020 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today underscored the need for enhancing regional connectivity to achieve the target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within short time.
“Enhanced connectivity will help Bangladesh to achieve its SDG targets
faster along with economic development,” he said while speaking as the
chief guest at a webinar “Connectivity for Growth, Prosperity and
Development” organized by High Commission of India (HCI) in Dhaka in
collaboration with India-Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(IBCCI), said a press release.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das joined the
webinar as the special guest while IBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmed
moderated the seminar.
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FBCCI) Sheikh Fazle Fahim also spoke on the occasion.
Riva Ganguly Das said India has opened its huge markets to Bangladesh under SAFTA since 2011 wherein, Bangladesh exporters are provided Duty Free and Quota Free market access for 100 percent tariff lines except alcohol and tobacco.
She highlighted that both the governments have commissioned a joint study for a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which is likely to be completed this year.
The early green shoots of economic recovery are visible both in India and Bangladesh and having more consultative dialogue between the business community, Chambers and think tanks, will further facilitate
quick recovery and allow them to explore new business opportunities,
she added.
Sheikh Fazle Fahim said enhanced multimodal connectivity in the region
will complement the bilateral value chain initiative (BVCI).
He put forward the idea of transshipment of Bangladesh EXIM cargo from
Indian ports including third country EXIM cargo could benefit in terms
of cost and time savings.
Abdul Matlub Ahmed highlighted that world over connectivity has played
an influential role in shaping regional development.
The change in the world economic scenario and shifting of global value chains has made Bangladesh and India as great investment destination, he added.
President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nihad
Kabir and President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahbubul Alam, among others, were present on the occasion.
BSS/PR/KUC/FI/ 2008 hrs