India, Bangladesh renew Protocol on Inland Water Trade

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) India and Bangladesh today renewed the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade, which facilitates movement of inter-country trade and transit cargo, validating it till March 31, 2009.

The Protocol, originally signed in 1972 and renewed from time to time, allows plying of inland vessels of both countries between Kolkata-Pandu, Kolkata-Karimganj and Rajshahi-Dhulian.

Shipping Secretary A K Mohapatra, who led the Indian delegation at the talks held here, said India attached the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh and both countries, having a shared history and cultural heritage, had now shared aspirations.

''To fulfill these aspirations, we must go through agreed instrumentalities and evolve united will,'' he said, adding that this Protocol had been instrumental in increasing the volume of inland water trade between the two countries by almost 13 times in last 10 years.

Mr Mohapatra also emphasised the need for long-term renewal of the protocol.

The important issues, including need for inclusion of additional stretches, additional Ports of Call and better river conservancy works, were also discussed during the meeting.

Mr Sheikh Enayetullah, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Govt of Bangladesh who led his country's delegation, stated that though the renewal of the Protocol was being discussed after eight years, the movement of cargo on the Protocol Rules had functioned smoothly and volume of trade had grown significantly.

He said the two countries should exchange knowhow for development of this mode for mutual benefit.

UNI