India wants to give B'desh preferred nation status for trade

New Delhi, Jan 6: India is keen on gifting Bangladesh the most preferred nation status for trade across the border and will try to ensure capital flows to that country for business. Home Minister P Chidambaram said India and Bangladesh can join hands in making that part of the world a hub of business activities.

Addressing the Northeast Business Summit here today, he said Bangladesh is blessed with natural resources, especially natural gas and India is blessed with entrepreneurs and capital. "Joining hands together, so much business can be created on both sides of the border.

I think it is important that businessmen look upon Bangladesh and India as one market, as a market where goods and services can be produced, traded and exchanged.

"That is why we are very keen to gift Bangladesh the most preferred nation status for trade across the border (so that) trade between the two countries takes place almost tariff free. We should reach out to Bangladesh," he said. Chidambaram said since India's economy is many times bigger than the economy of Bangladesh, it is New Delhi's responsibility to give access to goods and services from Dhaka.

"It is India's responsibility to ensure that capital flows from India to Bangladesh to start businesses," he said. Highly praising Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina, the Home Minister said India today has the best of relationship with Bangladesh, thanks to the vision and statesmanship of the Prime Minister.

PTI