India and Bangladesh renew inland water Protocol

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) India and Bangladesh today renewed a Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade which would be in force till March 2009 to facilitate movement of inter-country trade between the two countries.

The Protocol, signed in 1972, has been renewed time and again allowing the vessels of both countries to operate between Kolkata-Pandu, Kolkata-Karimganj and Rajshahi-Bhulian and Karimganj-Pandu.

Mr A K Mahapatra, Secretary (Shipping) who led the Indian delegation said India attached highest importance in its relationship with Bangladesh and both countries shared common history and cultural heritage and aspirations. The trade volume on these routes between the two countries had increased by 13 times in 10 years and stressed the need for long term renewal of the Protocol.

The meeting also discussed about the need for including additional streches, additional ports of call and better river conservancy works.

Mr Shiekh Enayatullah, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh said that though the Protocol was being discussed after eight years, the movement of cargo had grown significantly and the two countries should exchange the know-how for developing this mode for mutual benefit.

UNI