MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI KAMAL NATH)
(a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 539 TO BE ANSWERED ON 3.5.2005 REGARDING INDO-BANGLADESH TRADE.
(a): The trade between India and Bangladesh for the year 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 were US$ 1061.30, US$ 1238.24, US $ 1708.32 million respectively. The trade for the year 2004-2005 (April-Jan.) was US$ 1271.55 million. The breakup of India`s exports to Bangladesh, imports from Bangladesh and total trade are given below in the tabular form :
(Value In US $ Million)
YEAR INDIA`S EXPORTS TO BANGLADESH INDIA`S IMPORTS FROM BANGLADESH TOTAL TRADE
2001-2002 1002.18 59.12 1061.30
2002-2003 1176.00 62.05 1238.24
2003-2004 1646.08 62.24 1708.32
2004-2005(April-Jan.) 1226.67 44.88 1271.55
2003-2004(April-Jan.) 1389.17 61.04 1450.21
(Source : DGCI&S, Kolkata)
(b): There is a slight decline in the bilateral trade between both countries in April-January 2004-2005. The trade data for the year 2004-2005 is awaited.
(c) to (e): The volume of trade is primarily determined by various economic factors including demand and supply of commodities, price competitiveness and alternative sources of supply available to the importers. It has been the policy of the Government to develop trade and commerce with all countries including Bangladesh through various bilateral trade consultations.
(f) & (g): Government of Bangladesh has requested for setting up of a Bangladesh Mission in Guwahati in North Eastern Region for promotion of trade and commerce between Bangladesh and North Eastern Region. The request of the Government of Bangladesh was noted.
