Hoping for quick implementation of Free Trade Agreement
The B’deshi businessmen are worried over ‘protectionist policy of India’ by putting barriers in the free movement of goods.

The Bangladesh pavilion is always a hit at the International Guwahati Trade Fair (IGTF) and IGTF 2004 was no exception. The public bought the items from Bangladesh including dry fish in plenty.

Md. Nazimuddin is the Asst. Manager (EXPORT) of the famous Diamond Melamine Company. He led the Bangladesh delegation to the IGTF last year as well. Husne Jamal was another senior member of the group. He is the Zonal Manager (Sales) of Square Toiletries Ltd that is part of the famous Square Group in Bangladesh.

These businessmen are satisfied with the business transactions at the IGTF, which brings them back every year. However, they expressed concerns about the over protectionist policy of India by putting barriers in the free movement of goods from Bangladesh to India. ‘’The balance of trade is totally in favour of India. Being the big brother, India has to compromise for a poor country like Bangladesh to allow it to grow economically,’’ they pointed out. These businessmen called for Free Trade Agreement (this has been mooted and in pipeline) with Bangladesh to be implemented soon that will be beneficial for both the countries. The North-Eastern states would gain immensely from good commercial relations with Bangladesh as the country can provide quality products due to the geographical proximity.

“North-East is dependent on mainland India for its sustenance. These goods and products can be brought faster and at much cheaper rates from Bangladesh,’’ opined Husne Jamal. He also said that the Bangla businessmen could open up good commercial relations with North-East India if the barriers are removed. Md Nazimuddin pointed out that the immense popularity of the Bangla items in the IGTF was a clear pointer that greater and wider trade relations can be established. He advocated Guwahati-Dhaka air services and simplification in grant of visas as means to boost trade relations. “A good part of our money is lost in transit and in complex border clearances when it could have been utilised to further our scope of business,’’ these Bangla businessmen lamented. Citing another example of inequality, they pointed out that while more than 20 Indian TV channels were beamed in Bangladesh, no Bangla TV is seen in India, even in the bordering areas. “As a result no advertisement of our goods can reach the Indian public,’’ said Md Nazimuddin. The businessmen said that the participation of the Bangla Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) in IGTF 2004 was a very positive move. ‘’This will broaden the horizon. The women entrepreneurs are being specially encouraged and backed by the Bangladesh Government,’’ Md. Jamal said. This year the gross business of the Bangladesh pavilion touched 80 lakh which is quite a jump from around 30 lakh, the amount of gross business in the same pavilion last year. The views of these Bangladesh businessmen are importance as it show that they are ineterested to build a strong trade relations with India at a time when regional co-operation is becoming a global phenomenon. Needless to say that the North-Eastern region will also be immensely benefited if strong trade relations between the two neighbouring countries is established. IGTF provides this platform.

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