Recent media reports suggest, Bangladesh manufacturers have decided to appeal to the Indian government to allow greater access to the market for readymade garments, while reducing barriers including stringent testing norms. Bangladesh Commerce Minister, Tofail Ahmed would be meeting Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma to discuss the possibilities of boosting trade between the two countries.
Though India and Bangladesh compete with each-other in some export markets, players from Bangladesh are keen to supply garments to the Indian market as well taking advantage of the low prices offered by them compared to Indian counterparts. However, they are finding the tough testing norms imposed by the government as a strategy to keep readymade garments from Bangladesh at bay.
Bangladesh is also taking initiatives to open trade offices in Siliguri and Guwahati to expand trade in the seven Northeastern states of India. The new government in Bangladesh aims to expand its export destinations and has also invited Indian companies to take advantage of the opportunities. Indian entrepreneurs and Indian industrialists can set up their industries in Bangladesh.
