(a) the areas in which Indo-Bangladesh trade relation has been established;
(b) whether the Government have a proposal to expand Indo-Bangla trade relation;
(c) if so, the new areas identified therefor; and
(d) the details of trade agreement, if any, signed by both the countries for the expansion of Indo-Bangla trade?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI S. B. MOOKHERJEE )
(a) to (d) : It is Government`s policy to develop trade and commerce with all countries including Bangladesh. With this intention, measures for cooperation in customs procedures, improvement in infrastructural facilities, promotion of joint ventures and other related issues for the smooth flow of traffic and trade are discussed and reviewed from time to time during high level bilateral consultations.
A bilateral trade agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh on 4.10.80 for a period of three years with provision for extension of three years by mutual consent subject to such modifications as agreed upon. This Agreement was valid upto December 3, 2003. Matter relating to its further extension beyond 4th December, 2003 till 3rd June, 2004 is being taken up with Government of Bangladesh. This Agreement provides for expansion of trade and economic cooperation, making mutually beneficial arrangement for the use of waterways, railways and roadways, passage of goods between two places in one country through the territory of the other, exchange of business and trade delegations and consultation to review the working of the Agreement at least once a year.