DCCI for involving pvt sector in policymaking

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) suggested involving private sector in policy formulation process in order to enhance bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman came up with the suggestion at an interactive business networking seminar with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at its headquarters in Kolkata on Thursday.
"The private sector should be involved in the policy formulation process to make the policies easier for (doing) business between the two countries," he said.
Mr Rahman, who is leading a 47-member delegation of the DCCI, also said businesses have no border.
"The existing BD-India bilateral trade of about US$ 10 billion is not adequate. There are avenues of opportunities in cross-border trade, especially in the areas like healthcare, education, skill development, IT and FinTech."
The private sectors of both Kolkata and Bangladesh have to take the lead to increase the bilateral trade to an expected level.
The DCCI president noted that Bangladesh can act as a bridge for connecting the Indian north-eastern region with Kolkata.
Later, he also urged for ensuring better infrastructure of the land-ports.
Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata Andalib Elias focused on mutual discussion for better trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and India.
"At present, the diplomatic and trade relations between Bangladesh and India are very friendly and cordial."
"There may be some policy-related challenges in bilateral trade. But all problems can be solved - through regular discussions - to achieve our goals," he added.
ICC President Pradeep Sureka said, "The economic, historical and cultural relationships, shared between India and Bangladesh, are beyond words."
"Both the countries have worked towards strengthening the bilateral relationship. West Bengal is the anchor between Bangladesh and India," he mentioned.
Prashant Sharma, Managing Director of Charnock Hospital, presented a keynote paper, which said healthcare tourism is one of the prosperous areas to work on.
"Bangladesh is the biggest development partner of India today. Dhaka invited Indian companies to invest in Bangladesh's infrastructure sector that requires an investment of about US$20 billion a year till 2030," he noted.
Ashish Middha, Director - Branch Secretariat and RPO, Ministry of External Affairs - the Government of West Bengal, said Bangladesh has emerged not only as India's largest trading partner in South Asia, but also as one of India's top five export destinations.
At present, more than 350 reputed Indian companies are registered in Bangladesh with $3.5 billion FDI. After completion of the Indian economic zones (EZs) in Bangladesh, more Indian investors will go there, he added.
Sobhandeb Chattopaddhyay, Agriculture Minister - the Government of West Bengal, and Arup Roy, Cooperatives Minister, were present at the function as the chief guests.
P Kamalakanth, Executive Director - the West Bengal Industrial Development Cooperation, was also present at the event.

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