Regional connectivity for business stressed
Regional connectivity with a deep-sea port will open up an enormous trade opportunity for Bangladesh, speakers said at a roundtable in Dhaka yesterday.
They pointed to the huge prospect of being an important business hub in South Asia, provided such connectivity is established with India and landlocked Nepal and Bhutan.
"Trade in transport services will bring huge resources in the country, as users of transit, port, road and rail facilities are to be charged a certain amount of revenue," said Dr M Rahmatullah, policy adviser of Transport Sector Management Reform at the Planning Commission, in his keynote paper.
The Bangla daily Bhorer Kagoj organised the discussion on 'Connectivity in South Asia: Opportunities for Bangladesh' at a city hotel.
Rahmatullah suggested Bangladesh offer Mongla Port facilities to Nepal, Bhutan and northeastern states of India and generate revenue..
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, who attended the programme as chief guest, made an assurance that people's aspiration and concerns over regional connectivity and transit will be reflected in the talks during the Prime Minister's ensuing visit to India.
“One cannot ignore that 1.5 billion population in the region can reap benefits from intra-regional trade,” the minister said, adding that connectivity will facilitate regional economic integration, trade and investment.
In this connection, she pointed her finger at a World Bank data showing that that a 20-foot container costs $ 2200 to reach Bangladesh from India by sea, while it costs $ 1400 and takes a week to land directly by rail.
The discussants underscored the need for easy visa procedure and common registration of vehicles under the Saarc arrangement to help enhance trade and business in the region.
Abdul Awal Mintoo, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, pointed out that connectivity issue should be addressed along with the issues of trade deficit, water sharing, tariff and non-tariff barriers and Tipaimukh Dam with India.
Former foreign secretary Syed Moazzem Ali, former ambassador Muhammad Zamir, and journalist Jaglul Ahmed Chowdhury also spoke at the discussion, moderated by Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta.
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