Bangladesh’s trade will not be affected by India’s cancellation of the transshipment facility, said Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin.
He made the statement following a meeting held on Wednesday at the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, regarding India’s recent decision to cancel the transshipment facility.
The meeting was chaired by Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin and attended by high-ranking government officials and representatives from the business community. The Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka also joined the meeting virtually.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, SK Bashir Uddin said the decision will not impact the current export process to Nepal and Bhutan. However, the government is making every effort to keep overall trade, including ready-made garment exports, running smoothly.
He added that the transshipment process will continue using the existing capacity of Dhaka and Sylhet airports. Steps will also be taken to enhance capacity in other areas as needed.
The adviser further mentioned that an inter-ministerial meeting will be held on Thursday to determine the next steps based on input from other ministries.
India had granted the transshipment facility in 2020, allowing Bangladesh to use Kolkata Port, Nava Sheva Port, and Kolkata Air Cargo Complex for exporting goods to third countries. On Wednesday, India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued an order revoking this facility.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
