9th Indo-Bangla JWG meet to review scope of trade

The two-day 9th round meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) of Bangladesh and India on trade began in the city Wednesday to review the status and opportunities of bilateral trade between the two close neighbours.
Joint Secretary of the ministry of commerce Shahabuddin Patwary is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the meeting while Joint Secretary, Foreign Trade for South Asia, Department of Commerce, India Arvind Mehta is heading the Indian delegation.
On the opening day of the high-level meeting, the authorities concerned of the two countries presented some major issues on top of their agenda. Among the key issues were opening new border haats, strengthening of road, rail, water and air connectivity, easing compliance issues and removing barriers to trade.
"We've discussed different issues on the first day of the JWG meet including coastal shipping, container train service, protocol on inland water transit and trade," a meeting source said.   
"Bangladesh would examine the feasibility of new border haats before considering India's proposal for setting up 22 new haats," he also said.
The other issues are expected to be discussed at the meeting today (Thursday) when the two sides would come up with some recommendations for trade facilitation.
The 8th meeting of the JWG on trade was held in New Delhi on 13-14 June, 2013.