Bangladesh urges India to remove export restrictions, withdraw anti-dumping duties on jute and PET film, and retain tariff preferences after LDC graduation.
Bangladesh has stepped up pressure on India to dismantle trade barriers restricting Bangladeshi exports, withdraw anti-dumping duties on jute products and PET film, and guarantee continued tariff preferences after LDC graduation, highlighting persistent tensions over market access in bilateral economic relations.
The demands highlight persistent market access barriers facing Bangladeshi exporters in India, despite the two neighbours' efforts to expand bilateral trade and improve regional connectivity.
The issues were raised at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh–India Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, which began in New Delhi on October 8 for two days of discussions on trade barriers, land port infrastructure and transport connectivity, according to a press release.
A 10-member Bangladesh delegation, led by Ayesha Akhter, additional secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, took part in the meeting.
Bangladesh sought a review of existing restrictions on its goods entering India through land ports, urging New Delhi to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain access to one of its neighbouring markets.
The delegation also called for consideration of withdrawing anti-dumping duties imposed on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film, arguing that such measures affect exporters' ability to compete and expand their market presence.
The concerns underscore the challenges Bangladeshi businesses face in accessing the Indian market, where border restrictions, certification requirements and trade-related duties can increase costs and complicate export procedures.
Bangladesh also stressed the need to harmonise product standards, establish mutual recognition arrangements and simplify certification procedures under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to facilitate smoother entry of its products into India.
Another major concern for Bangladesh is the potential loss of preferential market access following its graduation from the LDC category.
The delegation urged India to consider continuing existing tariff preferences available to Bangladeshi products under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement.
The issue is significant for Bangladeshi exporters seeking to preserve their competitiveness in regional markets as the country prepares to transition away from LDC-specific trade benefits.
Any reduction in preferential access could increase costs for exporters and add pressure on industries already facing intense competition in international markets.
Bangladesh also called for greater access for its freight trucks travelling to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory, highlighting the importance of transit arrangements in reducing transportation costs and expanding regional commerce.
The delegation proposed operationalising the CEOs' Forum to strengthen direct engagement between businesses in the two countries and identify new opportunities for trade and investment.
It also pressed for improvements to infrastructure at Indian land customs stations, including access roads, parking areas, warehouses, cargo sheds and inspection and quarantine facilities.
Expanding land port capacity and accelerating customs clearance were identified as priorities for reducing delays and lowering the cost of cross-border cargo movement.
For Bangladeshi traders, more efficient border infrastructure and predictable customs procedures are essential to making regional trade commercially viable.
India, meanwhile, proposed removing restrictions on exports of cotton yarn and other products to Bangladesh through certain land ports.
New Delhi also called for easing barriers affecting exports from northeastern Indian states to Bangladesh, improving regional connectivity and expanding multimodal transport links.
The two sides discussed the Akhaura–Agartala link, stronger railway connectivity and the resolution of outstanding issues involving border haats.
Both countries acknowledged the need to reduce the time and cost of bilateral trade through more efficient land ports, streamlined customs procedures and improved border operations.
However, Bangladesh's demands on export restrictions, anti-dumping duties and post-LDC tariff preferences reflect outstanding concerns over whether existing trade arrangements provide sufficient and predictable access for its exporters.
The two-day meeting is part of broader efforts to capitalise on the geographical proximity of Bangladesh and India. Turning that potential into balanced commercial gains will depend on addressing market access concerns, improving border infrastructure and ensuring that traders on both sides can move goods with fewer delays and additional costs.
