Bangladesh seeks to revive ties with Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Strengthening of trade ties between Bangladesh and Odisha was the focus of the Bangladeshi delegation to the State, led by Bangladesh High Commissioner in India Tariq A Karim.Karim stressed the importance of developing bilateral ties not just between two countries, but also between Bangladesh and the state of Odisha. “We must not forget that prior to the Partition, Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal were united. Politics may break or make relations, but commerce always unites,” said Karim. Rediscovering lost connections and an integrated regional economy can aid the economic growth of India and Bangladesh, said Karim. The team invited an exploratory delegation from the Utkal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) to visit Bangladesh and explore the trade possibilities. Bangladesh has imported goods worth $ 8 billion whereas exported only $ 500 million worth goods in the last fiscal year. “We need to narrow this gap in trade. If we do not have goods that suit India’s requirement, we can offer services,” stated Karim. Karim mentioned that the Bangladeshi Government was committed to open up numerous disconnected channels between the North Eastern states and Bangladesh. He also spoke on opening up the river communications that have been closed for long time now, but added that it might take time. In his meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the focus of the conversation was how the lost connections between Odisha and Bangladesh could be revived and strengthened. Terming Partition as a ‘trauma’, Karim referred to the 13.1 per cent gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth of Bihar and stated that instead of focusing on country-based economic growth, if an integrated regional economic growth was considered, then India’s ambition to overcome China in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth can be achieved. UCCI president Ramesh Mohapatra and honorary secretary Debabrata Dash were present at the event.