Bangladesh will welcome Indian investment in infrastructure: Commerce Minister

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has stated that if Indian investors express interest in Bangladesh's infrastructure sector and if such investment proves beneficial for the country, it will be welcomed.

He made these remarks to reporters following a meeting with a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the Secretariat on Tuesday. The discussion focused on trade and investment relations, existing challenges, and future cooperation between the two nations.

The minister noted that economy and investment cannot move forward without infrastructure, emphasizing that large-scale investments are required in various sectors, including the expansion of the Dhaka-Chattogram railway line, new highways, ports, and LNG infrastructure. He added that if Indian investors show interest in these sectors and the terms are advantageous for Bangladesh, the cooperation will be welcomed.

During the meeting, the Indian business delegation highlighted various issues regarding goods transportation through land ports between the two countries. They specifically proposed improving cargo handling efficiency at the Benapole land port, pointing out that simplifying these processes would lower transportation and raw material costs while boosting bilateral trade.

The Indian business leaders also proposed forming two joint task forces between Bangladeshi and Indian business entities: one focusing on digital transformation and the other on increasing Indian investment in Bangladesh's infrastructure sector.
Emphasizing the importance of further advancing commercial ties with India, the commerce minister remarked that expanding business, investment, and trade relations as much as possible serves the mutual interest and development of both countries.