Dhaka optimistic about resolving trade standoff with India

Says Foreign Adviser

December 09, 2024 00:00:00

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain speaks at a seminar titled 'The SAARC - People of South Asia Crave for' at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Sunday. — Focus Bangla

Bangladesh anticipates that the ongoing trade slowdown with India, which has persisted over the past two to three months, will be resolved soon, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Sunday.

"The slowdown is impacting not just Bangladesh but also India. Traders in Kolkata are bearing the brunt as well," he said while addressing a seminar titled 'The SAARC -- People of South Asia Crave for' at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital, reports BSS.

"We hope the standoff will be resolved soon," he added.

The foreign adviser noted that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Dhaka on Monday for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India, where bilateral trade issues and other matters of mutual concern are expected to be discussed.

"If we want to resolve problems, we have to first acknowledge their existence," he remarked, emphasising the importance of frank dialogue between the neighbours.

The adviser pointed out a qualitative shift in the Bangladesh-India relationship following the political changeover in Bangladesh on August 5.

The SAARC Journalist Forum, Bangladesh Chapter, organised the seminar that brought together experts to discuss regional challenges and opportunities.

Turning to regional cooperation, the foreign adviser expressed hope for the resumption of SAARC Foreign Secretary-level meetings, which have been stalled for a decade.

Such meetings could pave the way for Foreign Minister-level discussions and, eventually, a SAARC Summit, he added, emphasising the need to revitalise the regional bloc.

The adviser also underscored the importance of regional cooperation to boost trade, enhance economic growth, and alleviate poverty in South Asia, urging member states to overcome bilateral differences for the collective benefit of the region.

Touhid noted that the SAARC Summit has been stalled for 10 years, largely due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. He laid emphasis on the necessity of regional cooperation to tackle common challenges.