Hope in the air     
Improved business ties between India and Bangladesh, the two south Asian neighbour, can immensely benefit the North-East region.

Guwahati International Trade Fair (IGTF) has grown better and bigger with every edition. The main glamour is provided by the participation of foreign countries which has also steadily swelled over the years. But one thing has remained constant – participation of Bangladesh and its huge attraction. The scenario is not expected to change in the forthcoming IGTF 2006.

In IGTF ’05, China was the main partner country and there were as many as nine foreign countries participating. But like previous years, Bangladesh continued to be the biggest draw amongst international participants. Omar Farooq, a senior official of the Export Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh was himself present as the pavilion director. Nazimuddin, Asst Manager 9Export) of the famous Diamond Melamine company was the co-coordinator. One of the biggest corporate houses in Bangladesh Square Toiletries group and equally renowned Sharif Melamine Industries were also present amongst other big names from Bangladesh. Apart from the popular Melamine ware, dry fish, garments and jamdani sarees, a number of new items like steel furniture, ceramic tiles, tissue and napkins etc. were brought. They all got very good response from the public. This goes on to show that Bangladesh products find instant favour in the North-East and this in turn compels one to think that opening up greater commercial ties with Bangladesh may be a viable option for this region.

Officially Bangladesh today is the seventh largest importer of Indian goods. However, unofficially Bangladesh may be the single largest country taking in Indian goods and products. But problem also starts from here. The trade gap between the two countries is huge with the balance of trade overwhelmingly in favour of India. The underlined fact is that the products from Bangladesh are liked and well taken in this side particularly in the North-East region. Nothing highlights it more that the response that Bangladesh pavilion gets at IGTF.

The traders and businessmen from Bangladesh are thus convinced that buyers are very much interested in Bangla products. Moreover, they are also hopeful of getting good importers for their products here and even some have already located importers and local dealers here. There are some hurdles. Lack of a common established testing agency approved by both the countries results in hassles to the traders. There is still no direct flight between Dhaka and Guwahati or any other important North-East station.

Importing goods from Bangladesh will also be in favour of North-Eastern region. To get many essential items from mainland regions of India takes a long time – sometimes even nearly two weeks. The same can be imported from Bangladesh in very short time due to the proximity. It will mean quality goods at cheaper rates. After 1947, there was a long tenure of zero trade linkage. But lately things have been improving. The continuous participation of Bangladesh in IGTF and the popularity it enjoys is an instant marker. Trade delegations have been lately crossing the border and holding meaningful dialogue. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), which is the strongest and most influential business chamber in Bangladesh, has been in constant touch with the North East Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NECCI) to open up new vistas of trade and expand the horizon of business relations. Leading names of DCCI like Sayeeful Islam has been constantly visiting Guwahati and holding parleys. These efforts have set the ball in motion and there is a lot of hope in the air.

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