Excellency High Commissioner Mr. Harsh VardhanShringla
Mr. BhanuPratap Singh, CEO North East Foundation
Distinguished Office Bearers of India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, FBCCI, Bangladesh Fruit, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters’ Association
Ladies and Gentleman
I thank the organizers for inviting me to the inaugural ceremony of North East India-Bangladesh EXIM Conclave. I am confident that this Forum can play a valuable role in actuating the business potentials for Bangladesh in the North Eastern States of India.
Geographically and culturally North East India is connected to Bangladesh. However to take maximum advantage of the geographical contiguity and translate the business complementarity into successful business ventures both of our business communities need to share ideas and contribute to across-the border flow of investments. The sectors in which both Bangladesh and India’s North Eastern States enjoy comparative advantages; such as- information and communication technology, agro processing, renewable energy, hydroelectricity need to be given utmost importance. I would urge upon chambers from both countries to identify the barriers in existing trade and investment and proactively work with respective government so that the volume of business could be expanded in future.
Human Resources Development is another area of strategic intervention. I am happy to note that NEF through its multifarious initiatives has contributed to North East India’s achievements in skills enhancement.
I hope the two sessions on offerings from India’s North East and possibilities, requirements and specific intent from Bangladesh importers/ industry would generate valuable ideas for expansion of trade basket between Bangladesh and North East India. I would suggest that our chambers can also emulate and organize similar events in North Eastern Indian cities in future.
I wish the conclave all the success.
Thank you all.