Bangla traders proposes to set up SEZ for Megh

Shillong, Aug 21 (UNI) A 16-member delegation of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) today proposed the Meghalaya government for joint venture in the power generation, processing and tourism sectors.

The business delegation from Bangladesh met Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy to promote trade, commerce and tourism and strengthen socio-economic and cultural ties between Bangladesh and its neighbouring Indian state.

'' We were very encouraged by the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Minister, '' SCCI senior vice-president Nazim Hussain told reporters after the meeting with the Chief Minister.

Mr Hussain, who led the SCCI delegation, lauded the Meghalaya government initiative of 'Look South Policy' of engaging Bangladesh in promoting trade, commerce and tourism, which he believed would benefit the people of both countries.

'' We have proposed to set up Special Economic Zone in Sylhet bordering the neighbouring state, Meghalaya, in which the Meghalayans will be welcomed to invest, '' Mr Hussain said.

In this regard, he said Meghalaya could invest in coal-based power generation, ceramics, horticulture and tourism sectors on a public-private partnership mode.

A 'Special Friendship Tourism package' for Meghalaya to promote goodwill and cultural exchanges between the people of the two neighbouring areas was launched.

The package included visits to Bangaldesh capital Dhaka, port city of Chittagong and longest sea beach at Cox Bazar to be covered in a week.

Apart from tourism, Bangladesh would like to export garments and ceramics products in Meghalaya and other northeastern state.

'' We know very little about one another, '' Meghalaya State Planning Board Chairman P A Sangma said, advocating for holding a 'Meghalaya Festival' in major cities in Dhaka, Chittagong and may be Sylhet.

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