Manmohan’s Visit - 2011: Investment Scenario In Bangladesh Likely To Get Priority

Investment in Bangladesh is likely to be discussed during the visit of Indian premier Dr Manmohan Singh, said a foreign ministry official.

"Trade issue is included in the joint communiqué but it is likely to be widened," he said.

The official said it is expected that the Indian premier will visit Bangladesh early next year.

Dhaka wants full cooperation from India in implementing joint communiqué which was declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Premier Dr Manmohan Singh in January, he added.

The main challenge for the Indian premier is to show the Bangladeshis that New Delhi is sincere enough to resolve all the disputes between the two countries, the official said.

Bangladesh and India has many disputes over non-tariff barriers, border related problems, water sharing of common rivers, maritime border and border killings.

Dhaka should raise its legitimate trade demands to remove all NTBs (Non-tariff barriers) so that Bangladeshi products can enter the neighbouring country without any hassle, he said.

"Other issues including common river water sharing, border and maritime border disputes should be resolved for wider cooperation between the two parties," he added.

Bangladesh will raise NTB issue before the Indian side and try to solve it as soon as possible, the official said adding, "Imports of jute bags are facing problem due to NTBs and if any other products are facing the same problems we will raise the issue."

There are some progresses in implementing the joint communiqué including importing of electricity import from India, he said adding, "But many things need to be done."

About port development in Bangladesh, the official said it will depend on regional integration as it is yet to known how many cargoes will be diverted to Chittagong and Mongla from India, Bhutan and Nepal.