To boost trade between Bangladesh and India, the two countries are all set to ink a pact to allow river-sea vessels to carry cargo freely between the two neighbours.
India and Bangladesh have finalised a draft agreement on coastal shipping earlier this week, when an official delegation, led by Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping secretary Shafiq Alam Mehdi, visited the Capital.
“Subject to approval of the competent authorities of both the countries, this arrangement would allow River-Sea Vessels (RSV) to carry cargo between the two nations,” said an official from the Ministry.
“Once the two countries formally agree to the pact, it was give a big boost to the export-import trade between the two countries,” he said.
The countries also agreed on extension of Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with the provision of automatic renewal. “This is in line with the proposed amendment to the Bangladesh-India trade agreement. The PIWTT will be automatically renewed after five years,” said the official.
“It was also agreed between the countries that a draft agreement for the regular movement of passengers and cruise vessels would be shared by India with Bangladesh through diplomatic channel,” he said.
Bangladesh gave a go-ahead to using Pangaon International Container Terminal, with two other ICTs in Bangladesh, as the Port of Call by cargo vessel operator.
“Bangladesh has requested that Farraka and Bandel on National Waterway (NW) - 1 may be declared as a Port of Call. But before committing to them, a round of internal consultation is required, which has been communicated to them,” said the official.
India offered to extend marine training to the personnel in Bangladesh.