UN delegation visits West Bengal to review India-Bangladesh trade situation

A 40-member United Nations delegation arrived in Siliguri, West Bengal, to assess the trade situation along the India-Bangladesh border. The team expressed satisfaction with the current trade activities between the two countries at the international border. During their visit, the delegation emphasized the importance of economic and logistical factors and discussed strategies to further strengthen cross-border trade.

The primary objective of the visit was to explore opportunities for expanding commercial cooperation between India and Bangladesh and to identify necessary infrastructure improvements.

On Tuesday, the UN delegation flew from Delhi to Bagdogra Airport and then traveled by road to the Fulbari border checkpoint. There, they met with Border Security Force (BSF) officials and inspected the immigration check post. After observing the transit and import-export operations at the border, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the trade dynamics between the two nations.

Tensions had arisen in India-Bangladesh relations following the political changes in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which affected trade. However, after the Eid holidays, the situation stabilized, and trade activities at the border resumed with renewed momentum.

The UN representatives are not only examining the India-Bangladesh border but are also reviewing border trade situations across South and East Asia.

Economist Chris Garvey, a member of the delegation, said, “We have inspected the India-Bangladesh border followed by the India-Nepal border. Our focus is on border communication systems, import-export activities, and bilateral progress among Southeast Asian countries. We also discuss how neighboring countries can maintain strong relations and improve trade further.”

He added, “We are pleased with the progress between India and Bangladesh. Both countries have implemented digital services to accelerate trade processes, which is commendable.”

Another member, Rajen Sudesh Ratna, noted, “We primarily observe existing challenges in trade at land ports in border areas. Every country faces various issues, including geographical and infrastructural problems. When three countries share a border, trade operates under different regulations at each point. We examine these aspects and explore how governments can support imports and exports, and how digital media can help reduce trade costs.”

He further stated, “Recently, we organized a workshop in Nepal attended by top government officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, including policymakers, customs, revenue departments, and port authorities. We discussed necessary facilities at border areas and ways to advance trade. Representatives from all four countries participated in these discussions.”