 July 2024The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers' Retreat drew to a close on 11-12 July 2024, as foreign ministers gathered to strengthen cooperation among the BIMSTEC member countries. Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India External Affairs Minister, lauded the retreat, describing it as "productive" and the meetings "highly useful." Read More Tags: India, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
 June 2024To address the additional costs and logistical challenges faced by areca nut producers from other regions, the government of Bhutan is actively engaging with India to include more land customs stations (LCS) for areca nut exports. Formal requests have been sent by the Government of Bhutan to the Government of India to allow exports through (i) Hatisar-Gelephu, (ii) Daranga-Samdrup Jongkhar, (iii) Kulkuli-Lhamoizingkha, and (iv) Kamardwisa-Nganglam. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Trade, India |
 June 2024Mr. Moosa Zameer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Maldives, met with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. They exchanged views on expanding ties in areas including trade and investment. Read More Tags: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 May 2024Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Bhutan has experienced significant growth, doubling to $22.1 million in the fiscal year 2022-2023 following the implementation of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2022. The PTA with Bhutan is Bangladesh’s first PTA. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade |
 April 2024The 9th Commerce Secretary Level Meeting between Bhutan and Bangladesh committed to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed various areas of cooperation, including tourism, trade facilitation, investments, customs, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and agriculture. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade |
 April 2024The 7th Commerce Secretary Level Meeting between Bangladesh and Nepal, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 18-19 April 2024, highlighted the need to finalize Bangladesh and Nepal’s Preferential Trade Agreement and progress in implementing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement.ban-nep-cslm-7 Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 April 2024The third round of Foreign Office Consultations between the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal, reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the countries' excellent state of affairs. The meeting agreed to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, commerce, transit, connectivity, power, energy, and tourism. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Transport, Energy, Tourism |
 March 2024Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of State for Shipping of the Government of Bangladesh and Mr. Damodar Bhandari, Nepal Minister of Commerce met to discuss ways to increase Banglaesh-Nepal trade. Among the topics discussed was the improvement of land transport between Banglabandha land port in Bangladesh and Kakarbhita land port in Nepal. A 37-kilometer route could be established between the two ports through India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Bhutan |
 March 2024The Governments of Bhutan and India exchanged multiple agreements across various sectors, encompassing energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, and agriculture. They also finalized the MoU on establishment of rail connectivity, marking a comprehensive enhancement of cooperation between the two nations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy, Trade |
 February 2024Mr. Pranay Verma, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said the future of Bangladesh-India ties lie in efficient multimodal connectivity, through connectivity via road, rail, inland waterways, and coastal shipping. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, Inland waterways, Bangladesh, India |
 February 2024The river trade route between Rajshahi in Bangladesh and Murshidabad in India was opened on 12 February 2024 to strengthen trade between the two countries. The Sultanganj Port of Call under Godagari Upazila in the district also resumed operations to serve the river trade route and strengthen trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and India. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, Bangladesh, India, Inland waterways |
 January 2024The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorized Trade met on 12–13 January 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The meeting highlighted the commitment by the two countries to bolster trade and investment ties to achieve the shared vision of prosperous bilateral trade. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 November 2023The Akhaura-Agartala rail link marks an important milestone that promotes trade and people-to-people contact between India and Bangladesh. This is an excerpt of an article that appears on the ORF website. Read More Tags: Rail, Transport, Bangladesh, India, Trade, Connectivity |
 November 2023The 12th Round of Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations between India and Sri Lanka was held on 30 October – 1 November 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The agreement is envisaged to open new avenues for trade and investment and bring prosperity to both nations. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2023The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade between Bangladesh and India discussed several bilateral matters, including removal of port restrictions, harmonization and mutual recognition of standards, development of road and rail infrastructure, and regional connectivity through multimodal transportation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 September 2023India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted their eagerness to begin negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and satisfaction over the implementation of development cooperation projects. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 August 2023The new Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2023 expands the list of promising export products and services from Nepal to 32, from 12 in the NTIS 2016. Implemented in July, the new products in the latest trade strategy include electricity in the service export category. NTIS 2023 aims to increase the country’s trade-to-GDP ratio to 55% by 2026. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 June 2023India and Nepal have signed new agreements for hydropower, power trading, and trade and transit. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on 1 June 2023 during a visit to India by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Hydropower, Trade, Rail Transport |
 April 2023The Government of India is constructing an Integrated Checkpost (ICP) at Alay, Pasakha, Bhutan, to ease the movement of goods and people between Bhutan and India. Located between the busy trading points of Jaigaon, India, and Phuentsholing, Bhutan, the ICP aims to promote further trade between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2023The visit of His Excellency King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi advanced the bilateral cooperation of the two countries, addressing matters of mutual interest and sketching a roadmap for the next steps. The meeting discussed various priorities, including hydropower cooperation and connectivity. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade |
March 2023 Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remarked that India can utilize Bangladesh's Chattogram and Sylhet ports. She stressed the need to boost connectivity to further grow the region’s trade and commerce and enhance people to people linkages. Access to the two ports would mutually benefit both countries, stressed the Prime Minister. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ports, Trade, Transport |
 March 2023Road development is fundamental to boosting economic activity in Nepal and is a key element for strengthening growth and social inclusion. This case study undertaken by ADB looks at the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project and how it is improving access to goods and services, facilitating trade and cooperation, creating opportunities for small business owners, and empowering women in rural communities. Read More Tags: Road Transport, Nepal, ADB, Trade |
 March 2023Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, proposed exploring the possibilities of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal to increase bilateral trade. He noted that there is a huge potential for mutual cooperation between the two countries in areas including energy, tourism, education, migration, and connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
January 2023 Bangladesh has opened its Banglabandha Land Port for the import of acrylic yarn from Nepal, ending a 17-year-long restriction. A statutory regulatory order was issued by Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue on the matter. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 December 2022Two new formal trade points between Bhutan and India have been approved—in Bhutan's Lhamoidzingkha, Dagana, and in Chhuchungsa, Samtse. These would be operational after their official inauguration. Bhutan also recently inaugurated a new north-south road corridor with links to Lhamoizingkha. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 December 2022State highways in Assam, India, are set to be upgraded through a loan approved by the Asian Development Bank. The project will connect SASEC with Bhutan's and Bangladesh's borders. It is expected to improve transport and increase the volume of trade across borders. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Trade, Transport |
 November 2022The Sri Lanka Port Authority officials met with Chittagong (Bangladesh) Port officials to improve connectivity for imports and exports transshipped through Singapore and Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Trade |
September 2022 Bhutan reopened its borders to tourists on 23 September 2022. Bhutan’s reopening comes with a renewed focus on tourism sustainability, with priority placed on (i) upgrading infrastructure and services, (ii) elevation of tourists’ experiences, and (iii) maintaining carbon-neutral tourism. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade, Tourism |
 September 2022Bangladesh has implemented at least five projects under the SASEC program that will help landlocked Bhutan and Nepal gain access to sea ports. These projects are financed through the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport |
 September 2022The 8th Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) between Bangladesh and Bhutan endorsed the Agreement on Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol for signing; the renewal of the memorandum of understanding on the use of inland waterways; and the signing of the amended Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) with regard to the MoU on the use of inland waterways. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Inland waterways |
 August 2022Officials of the Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. The event emphasized increasing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in sectors such as hydropower, tourism, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people linkages. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, Tourism |
 May 2022The Governments of Bhutan and Thailand have agreed to sign a bilateral trade agreement during the fourth Joint Trade Committee Meeting. They also agreed to enhance total bilateral trade to $120 million by 2025, and renew the existing MoU on tourism and handicraft cooperation. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Thailand, Trade, Agriculture |
 March 2022Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, Mr. G.L. Peiris, Foreign Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BIMSTEC ministerial meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Their meeting underscored the importance of early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to help significantly boost bilateral trade between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 January 2022Mr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, held a virtual meeting with Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Finance Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka on 15 January 2022. The meeting reiterated India’s continued support for Sri Lanka, and emphasized that both countries stand to gain from forming closer economic interlinkages. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 December 2021Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held bilateral talks on 23 December 2021 at the President’s Office in Malé, Maldives. They discussed matters of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of signing a Preferential Trade Agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Maldives, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
December 2021 The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Nepal Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) signed a memorandum of cooperation. Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Commerce Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, spoke as the chief guest. In his remarks, he noted that the Preferential Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and Nepal is in the final stage. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Trade Facilitation |
 November 2021Bangladesh's trade with its neighbors accounts for only 10% of national trade. Mr. Yasushi Tanaka, Principal Transport Specialist, Transport and Communications Division, South Asia Department, ADB, explains how small investments in land customs stations and land ports, trade facilitation policy reforms, and cooperation between government agencies can help make Bangladesh a trade and transport hub in South Asia. This commentary first appeared on the ADB blog. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 August 2021 |
 August 2021Bangladesh is constructing seven new land ports to improve land connectivity with India's northeast region. The ports will be set up in cooperation with the states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura in India to increase trade and improve regional connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2021The Royal Monetary Authority of the Government of Bhutan launched an e-commerce portal that promotes “Made in Bhutan” products and makes it accessible to the international market. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Trade |
 June 2021 |
 June 2021The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is pushing for the development of waterway connections to increase trade between India's northeastern states and Bangladesh. According to Mr. Biswajit Chakraborty, FICCI director for the northeast chapter, developing waterway connectivity would benefit the lives and livelihoods of people living across the Meghna basin. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Inland waterways |
 May 2021Work on the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project is set to begin, with the Roads and Highways Department opening the first tender for road widening work on the highway. The invitation for bids was sent out on 29 April 2021 for the 35-kilometer section of the highway from Dhaka to Narsingdi. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Bangladesh, Road, Trade |
 April 2021The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has launched the Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET) on its platform. The IEX aims to provide the most competitive benchmark for power prices and valuable signals for the value chain. It will work closely with designated nodal agencies for cross border electricity trade to facilitate inter-country power trade through the exchange market. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Trade, Hydropower, BBIN |
 April 2021The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India has launched a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Trade Facilitation Mobile App. India aims to move toward paperless, automated processing systems, simple procedures, online data exchange between departments, and digital payments and acknowledgements. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Trade, India |
 April 2021Connectivity among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal in the last couple of years has improved bilateral relations in the fields of trade, business, culture, and education and research. Speakers noted the importance of increasing cultural relations and other forms of regional cooperation among SAARC countries, as well as of further developing road and rail connectivity. Read More Tags: BBIN, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, Trade |
 March 2021An official meeting between Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 24 March 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, emphasized boosting trade, connectivity, and cooperation in energy between the two South Asian nations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Trade, Connectivity, BBIN, Energy |
March 2021 Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held bilateral talks on 20 March 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The two leaders comprehensively reviewed various aspects of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka relations, including boosting high level exchanges, deepening trade, and increasing connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Connectivity |
 March 2021Bilateral cooperation between the Governments of Bangladesh and the Maldives received a boost with the signing of four MoUs, including a joint commission for comprehensive cooperation and bilateral foreign office consultations. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Maldives, Trade, Shipping, Connectivity |
March 2021 A shipment of lychee drinks will be traveling through inland waterways from Narsingdi, Bangladesh, to Kolkata, India. According to Mr. Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, developing inland waterways will lower the cost of shipping and increase trade between India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Waterways, Transport, Trade |
 February 2021The Bangladesh Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved on 16 February 2021 the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development project. The project will improve road connectivity and increase trade with neighboring countries. ECNEC gave the approval during a virtual meeting presided over by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Bangladesh, Road, Trade |
 January 2021The Governments of Bangladesh and India held their Foreign Office Consultations on 29 January 2021 in New Delhi, India. The meeting held a comprehensive review of progress achieved in their bilateral relationship in areas such as cooperation on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), trade, connectivity, development partnership, power, energy, and regional cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Energy, Trade, COVID-19 |
 December 2020The virtual summit held by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed their bilateral relationship amid the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They also jointly inaugurated the newly restored railway link between Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh), and agreed to soon operationalize the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, Trade, Health |
 December 2020The governments of India and Nepal convened a virtual meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade. They reviewed the transit treaty that covers waterways and railway services between the two countries, and agreed to amend the bilateral transit treaty to further promote trade and connectivity. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 December 2020The governments of Bangladesh and Bhutan have signed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) on 6 December 2020. The PTA aims to further facilitate and promote bilateral trade between the two countries. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering witnessed the signing virtually. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade, Preferential Trade Agreement |
 October 2020A webinar organized by CUTS International on 30 October 2020 deliberated the findings of the project, ‘Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Subregion.’ The work undertaken by CUTS reveals that the absence of gender responsive trade facilitation measures helps exacerbate gender inequality. Read More Tags: BBIN, Gender, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 October 2020The Government of India has granted market access to five agricultural products from Bhutan. A plant quarantine center was also set up in Jaigaon, India, to ease India-Bhutan cross-border trade of agricultural goods. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade |
 October 2020The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal held a secretary-level meeting virtually to negotiate a preferential trade agreement. Bangladesh has requested zero-duty benefit on the export of 140 products to Nepal. Nepal has proposed duty-free facility for 130 products. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2020The Government of Bangladesh approved a Tk 848.3 crore (around $100 million) for a road widening project that would help broaden bilateral trade with India. Under the project, the 38km Baraiyerhat-Hiako-Ramgarh road in the Khagrachhari district will be widened. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Transport |
 August 2020Ms. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, called on Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on 18 August in Kathmandu, Nepal. During their meeting, Prime Minister Oli noted the long history of Nepal-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and described Sri Lanka as a “very good friend of Nepal.” Read More Tags: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tourism, Trade |
 August 2020Prolonged closure of border haats will decrease income opportunities for border residents of both India and Bangladesh. But if border haats are to be reopened, operational guidelines will have to be amended to ensure personal and public safety in the time of COVID-19. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Border Haat, Trade, COVID-19 |
 July 2020The second addendum to the Protocol of Inland Water Transit and Trade, which was signed on 20 May 2020 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, added 2 new water routes and 10 new ports of call to the protocol to facilitate bilateral trade. With the signing of the addendum, new opportunities are opening up for small producers and marginalized communities, according to this commentary by Mr. Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Trade, Ports, Waterways |
 June 2020Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation nations need to be prepared for imminent shifts in global manufacturing that may occur following policy changes to respond to the COVID-19 global health crisis. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 June 2020The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) proposed a Bilateral Value Chain Initiative (BVCI) as a way forward in Bangladesh-India business relations. Under a proposed memorandum of understanding between FBCCI and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), raw materials from India will be transported to Bangladesh for production. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Value Chains, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
June 2020 The Governments of Bangladesh and Bhutan finalized the terms and conditions of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) on 16 June 2020. The PTA aims to increase bilateral trade between the two nations. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade, Bilateral Agreement |
 June 2020Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador, Embassy of India in Myanmar, spoke at an interactive webinar on India-Myanmar Business Promotion, Challenges and Opportunities Post COVID-19 along with his counterpart Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in India. Mr. Kumar suggested expanding bilateral trade relations to include areas such as pharmacy and healthcare to help the revival of both countries post-COVID-19. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, India, Myanmar |
 June 2020Border trade between India and Myanmar slowed down by over 40% for the current fiscal year, due to the temporary closure of border posts because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The value of trade went down from $128 million to $76 million noted Thura Swiss, the agency that conducted the research. Read More Tags: India, Myanmar, Covid19, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 June 2020The Asian Development Bank has expanded its support for Bangladesh's private sector through its Trade Finance Program. Enhancing the program will raise exports and imports, increase jobs, and contribute to economic development in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade, Covid19 |
 May 2020An ADB trade finance program is supporting a loan to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka to purchase medical supplies as part of the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More Tags: ADB, Sri Lanka, Trade, Covid19 |
 April 2020 |
 March 2020The Governments of Bangladesh and India will undertake a joint study on an advanced free trade agreement under the banner of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The terms of reference (TOR) for the study have been finalized. Outcomes will be critical to deciding whether the free trade agreement will be inked. Read More Tags: Trade, Bangladesh, India |
 March 2020The Bangladesh cabinet approved the draft of the second revision of the Protocol on Inland Water, Transit and Trade. This draft amends the existing agreement between Bangladesh and India on raising the number of ports of call between the two countries to deepen trade via waterways. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ports, Waterways, Trade |
 March 2020 |
 February 2020Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal, went on an official visit to Bangladesh in February 2020. His meetings included bilateral talks with Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh on 18 February, and a courtesy call to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 19 February. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Transit Facilitation, Transport |
 December 2019 |
 December 2019The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to a loan of $195 million to improve the highway section between Pokhara and Mugling in Nepal. The highway section links Pokhara to Kathmandu and to subregional corridors connecting Nepal with India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport |
 November 2019The Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal (BBIN) Chamber of Commerce was launched in New Delhi, India, to foster connections and develop trade and commerce among the partner countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 October 2019The BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) discussed rationalizing the organization’s areas of cooperation and the draft memorandum of understanding to be signed with the Asian Development Bank at the BPWC meeting in Colombo. Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Sri Lanka, emphasized that for Sri Lanka, early finalization of the BIMSTEC Charter and rationalization of the sectors are crucial to re-energize the organization. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, ADB, Sri Lanka, ASEAN, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 September 2019Economic corridor development is an effective policy that could promote sustainable growth in Bangladesh. It is a tool that enables the proliferation of industry, creates jobs, upgrades infrastructure, and links production centers with global value chains. It also helps create markets in lagging regions. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Economic Corridor Development, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Regional Integration, Trade, Transport |
 August 2019A bus service between Kathmandu, Nepal and Siliguri, West Bengal, India was inaugurated on 26 August 2019. Mr. Raghubir Mahaseth, Minister for Transport Management of the Government of Nepal, and Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, jointly flagged off the bus service. Mr. Mahaseth emphasized that the bus service will further strengthen the links between the two nations and help to expand trade links. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Transport, Trade |
 August 2019The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory of Nepal will reciprocally acknowledge test analysis or quality certificates issued by each other for food imports. The list of food products include ginger, cardamom, tea, and coffee—Nepal’s top exported items to India. The Nepal Chamber of Commerce noted in a statement that this bilateral agreement is expected to reduce hurdles in border checking. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2019Thailand and India have signed a memorandum of understanding that will promote a new maritime route between Thailand’s Ranong Port and India’s Krishnapatnam Port. The deal is part of Thailand’s policy to strengthen trade with Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) framework. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trade |
 August 2019South Asia has been the fastest growing subregion in the world. Since 2014, its eight economies have been collectively growing by 7.0% annually. But in order to continue performing well in the coming years, the region will need reforms and investments. By promoting regional cooperation and integration, for example, South Asia can accelerate economic growth and boost employment. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 May 2019India could play a crucial role in interconnecting regional energy networks. In this commentary, Mr. Mahendra P. Lama outlines what India needs to approach energy security projects in India and its neighboring countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Renewable Energy, Regional Cooperation, Nepal, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 February 2019President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldives, said Sri Lanka’s similarities with Maldives make it easier for the two countries to do business with each other. He noted how trade between Maldives and Sri Lanka has prospered in the last two decades. Read More Tags: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Trade, Investment |
 October 2018Sri Lanka Customs Department is speeding up its cargo clearance procedures by improving the country’s risk management system. The Asian Development Bank is giving technical assistance to Sri Lanka to study the country’s current risk management system and come up with a risk management framework and standard operating procedures. Read More Tags: ADB, Customs, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2018PTC India Limited and the Bangladesh Power Development Board signed two new power purchase agreements on 9 October 2018 to add 200 megawatts of power import from India to Bangladesh. The contracts, worth $1.8 billion, will be supplied to Bangladesh on a short- and long-term basis. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Trade |
 October 2018A new project to improve Nepal’s East-West Highway is set to strengthen regional connectivity, promote growth and trade, and improve road safety. An 87-kilometer section of the East-West Highway, also known as the Mahendra Highway, will be widened to four lanes and will be improved to include a center median, service lanes in populated areas, and a drainage system. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Road, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
 September 2018A toll highway to be built in central Colombo will ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and facilitate trade logistics in Sri Lanka. The Asian Development Bank has approved a $300 million loan to help in the construction of about 5.3 kilometers of the highway, under the SASEC Port Access Elevated Highway Project. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Trade, Road, Transport |
 September 2018Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Government of India, and Mr. Tofail Ahmed, Minister of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh, held a bilateral meeting on 26 September 2018 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to discuss matters of trade, investment, and connectivity. The two ministers agreed to undertake a joint study for a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and fast-track six new border haats. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Trade, Border Haat, Ports, Rail |
 September 2018A team of technical experts from Nepal undertook an official visit to India to (i) study India’s inland waterway infrastructures in consideration of Nepal's needs, and (ii) hold discussions with their counterparts in India. This field visit follows the meeting between Indian and Nepalese government officials held in July 2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade, Transport, Shipping, Inland waterways |
 September 2018The Government of Thailand aims to increase bilateral trade with India by developing Ranong port. According to Mr. Tharadol Thongruang, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, India, using Ranong port for trade with India’s Kolkata and Chennai ports will reduce distance between the two countries and boost trade. Read More Tags: India, Thailand, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Ports, Shipping, Trade, Connectivity |
 August 2018The Government of Nepal hosted the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit on 30-31 August 2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal, with participation of all BIMSTEC member countries. The Summit, in its Declaration, committed to deliver results in various sectors of cooperation, including poverty alleviation, connectivity, trade and investment, people-to-people contact, and tourism. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation, Connectivity, Trade |
August 2018 Trade between Bangladesh and India is estimated to cross a landmark $9 billion. Between July 2017-June 2018, growth of Bangladesh's garment exports to India jumped by 113%, amounting to $276 million. Exports of other products also increased by 30%, bringing in an additional $201 million. In total, Bangladesh's exports to India is set to close at almost $900 million. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 August 2018Mr. Chandra Mohan Patowary, Industries and Commerce Minister of Assam, India, emphasized the State Government's commitment to reopening air cargo trade routes to increase the state's economic prosperity. The Assam government plans to link its largest city, Guwahati, to the seven capital cities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. He also shared that the Assam Industrial Development Cargo is working on an air cargo terminal project Read More Tags: India, ASEAN, Trade, Connectivity, Myanmar, Thailand |
 July 2018The Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Myanmar and Nepal have signed an MoU establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism. The first meeting reviewed Myanmar-Nepal relations, and discussed how to further boost cooperation between the two nations. Read More Tags: Myanmar, Nepal, Cooperation, Trade, Investment |
 July 2018The Governments of Bangladesh and India are considering development of "border haats" (border markets) in six new locations to further boost Bangladesh-India trade. A joint committee meeting highlighted the positive impact of border haats to the livelihoods of people in border communities. The meeting emphasized the need to draft an MoU and provide a timeline for setting up new border haats in the northeastern region of India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 July 2018The Government of Sri Lanka's Department of Commerce launched the Sri Lanka Trade Information Portal, a one-stop gateway for information on trading to/from Sri Lanka. The portal provides information on laws and tariff, non-tariff measures, procedures and forms for license application, and international, regional, and bilateral trade agreements which Sri Lanka is a party to. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Trade, World Bank, WTO, Trade Facilitation Agreement |
 July 2018The Eminent Persons' Group on Nepal-India relations has finalized its report, with recommendations on updating bilateral treaties and agreements between India and Nepal, in line with the present reality of the two countries. The recommendations concern trade, commerce, water resource, people-to-people contact and cultural ties. The joint report, prepared in consensus by representatives of the two nations, lays a strong groundwork for furthering India-Nepal relations. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade |
 June 2018Ms. Chitranganee Wagiswara, high commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, India, urged Indian companies to take advantage of the ample business opportunities in Sri Lanka. She said Sri Lanka’s Vision 2025 positions the country as an export-oriented economic hub at the center of the Indian Ocean. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, India, Trade, Tourism, Jobs |
 June 2018By investing in infrastructure that improves connectivity and reduces transport times to key markets, South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation countries could reap major benefits, a new Asian Development Bank study says. Read More Tags: SASEC, ADB, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, World Bank |
 June 2018Member nations of SAARC have agreed on common standards for biscuits, refined sugar, and milk products. The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) has set regulatory standards for these three products, including requirements related to packaging, marking, labeling, and sampling of biscuits and refined sugar, as well as production, processing, and handling of milk and milk products. Read More Tags: SARSO, SAARC, Harmonization, Trade, Standards Harmonization |
 May 2018The fourth Bangladesh-Nepal Commerce Secretary Meeting on Trade, Transit, and Economic Cooperation focused on enhancing bilateral trade and narrowing the trade imbalance between the two nations. The delegations agreed to prioritize reviewing the operational modality for transit cargo, committed concluding the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and agreed to review non-tariff barriers hindering growth of Nepal's key export products to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Transit, Economic cooperation |
 May 2018Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved a project to install a high-voltage direct-current back-to-back substation at Comilla in Bangladesh for importing 500 megawatts of electricity from Tripura, India. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Energy, India, SASEC, Trade, Rail, Transport |
 May 2018A delegation of Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) members from Nepal visited the Visakhapatnam (Vizag) port on 24 May 2018. The team met with Mr. Movva Tirumala Krishna Babu, Chairman, Vizag Port Trust. The Meeting recommended measures to boost efficiency of cargo shipment from Vizag port to Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Ports, Trade, Transit, Hydropower, Cooperation |
 May 2018The 9th Annual Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on Trade and Transport was held to discussed key issues in transport, transit cooperation, trade, and trade facilitation among LLDCs. Bhutan and Nepal sent delegations to the Meeting. They highlighted initiatives being taken to connect their countries to the global market, including bilateral agreements in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion and the SASEC Trade Facilitation Program. Read More Tags: Trade, Trade Facilitation, Sustainable Development Goals, Cooperation, Connectivity, Bilateral Agreement, Bilateral Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, SASEC, India, Transport, Ports, Customs, Roads, Single Window |
 May 2018The BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held its first meeting on 10-11 May 2018 in New Dehi, India. The Meeting discussed progress in customs cooperation among BIMSTEC countries, and finalized the draft text of the 'Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters' for the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Customs, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trade |
 May 2018The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry is fast-tracking implementation of the United Nations TIR Convention, following the Indian government’s initiatives to promote trade expansion, particularly along the international North-South Transport Corridor. Read More Tags: India, Trade, Transport |
 May 2018The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council of the Government of Bangladesh approved revisions to the project to upgrade the Joydevpur-Chandra-Tangail-Elenga Road into a four-lane highway. Revisions include extension of deadline and increase in funding. The Asian Development Bank will provide financing support through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) road connectivity project. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, SASEC, Transport, Road, Trade, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2018The Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) hosted the first National Standards Conclave in Thimphu to highlight the importance of standardization among different stakeholders. The Conclave aimed to help chart the direction and objectives of standard setting in the country. The absence of national standards hinders Bhutan from being a party to a regional standards body such as the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO), and other standards organization. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Standards Harmonization, Trade |
 April 2018The Government of Bangladesh will sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Government of Thailand, according to Commerce Minister of the Government of Bangladesh Tofail Ahmed. The FTA promises to boost trade between the two countries, which stands around $2 billion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Thailand, FTA, Trade, Imports, Exports |
 April 2018The National Export Strategy (NES) of the Government of Sri Lanka has been finalized by the Export Development Board (EDB) and is ready for submission to the Cabinet. The strategy aims to boost the performance of the country's focus sectors and improve the business environment by developing trade support functions in logistics, trade information and promotion, and national quality infrastructure. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Exports, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Tourism |
 April 2018Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, and Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China (PRC), held official bilateral talks during Mr. Gyawali’s official visit to PRC. The Meeting discussed speedy implementation of all agreements and understandings, and establishment of a coordination and implementation mechanism to assist in the effective implementation of PRC-supported projects in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, People's Republic of China |
 April 2018Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the high importance Nepal places upon its relationship with India, and Nepal's desire to further strengthen this bilateral partnership, in a meeting with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Oli visited India on 6-8 April 2018, upon the invitation of India’s Prime Minister. The two Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Birgunj, Nepal, and issued three joint statements of cooperation. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Connectivity, Trade |
 April 2018India led a test run of the first container freight train from Kolkata, India, to Dhaka, Bangladesh on 3-4 April 2018. The rail service will be the first container train service between the two countries. It will reduce cost and transport time, thereby improving trade between India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Rail, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 March 2018The BIMSTEC conference, "BIMSTEC at its 20: Towards a Bay of Bengal Community" convened scholars, think-tanks, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and other stakeholders from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to take stock of the inter-regional organization's achievements and milestones, and aimed to chart a new direction for the future. It examined the potential and challenges of the BIMSTEC region. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade |
 March 2018The 6th SAARC Business Leaders' Conclave stressed the importance of prioritizing the economic agenda in the SAARC region. Mr. Shekhar Golcha, Senior Vice President, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, underscored the need to make the economic agenda the guiding force among relationships within SAARC. Read More Tags: Connectivity, Infrastructure, Investment, SAARC, Trade |
 March 2018Bangladesh's 'Look East Policy' and Thailand's 'Look West Policy' could be synchronized to create new trade and economic connectivity corridors, according to Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-chaon during a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. They discussed a range of bilateral cooperation, including shipping, trade, energy, and those under BIMSTEC. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Thailand, Shipping, Energy, Trade, Transport |
March 2018 As Bangladesh's economy expands, its demand for energy also increases. The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy projects that by 2030, the country's electricity demand will reach around 34,000 megawatts. In this commentary, Mr. Promod Rijal, senior economist at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies in Nepal, explains how transboundary energy trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through India will help Bangladesh meet its energy needs. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, BBIN |
 February 2018The 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bhutan and India is an occasion to reflect on further advancing ties between the two countries, said Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, India. India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and the two countries cooperate in the fields of transport and hydroelectric power. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Cooperation, Hydropower, Trade, Energy |
 February 2018Deep integration is needed to generate economic growth in South Asia. By integrating trade in goods and services and transport facilities, South Asian countries will be able to better participate in global trade. Read More Tags: Cooperation, South Asia, Trade, Transport, Economy |
 February 2018Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Bangladesh Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu discussed trade, connectivity, and investment on the sidelines of "Advantage Assam." Prime Minister Tobgay remarked on the increasing demand for Bangladeshi-made medicines in Bhutan and expressed its intention to import more. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Trade |
 January 2018South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) will promote products by women entrepreneurs in markets in SAARC countries. A Women Entrepreneur International Trade and Technology Hub will be developed in Visakhapatnam, India, with ADB assistance. The Hub will serve as a one-stop platform for women entrepreneurs and provide training on international trade and business. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 January 2018The Cabinet of Nepal has approved the modality of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). Following this, Nepal's Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has begun preparations for ECTS implementation with the assistance of ADB. Mr. Ravi Shanker Sainju, Joint Secretary, MoC, is hopeful that the ECTS will help control the turnaround time of shipping line containers, and significantly reduce the delay and cost of trade. He stressed that if Nepal can minimize time consumed in trade, cost of goods. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Customs, Trade |
 January 2018India's Union Cabinet has approved the Land Border Crossing Agreement between India and Myanmar. The Agreement will facilitate regulation and harmonization of already existing free movement rights for people in the border areas, as well as movement of people on the basis of valid passports and visas, encouraging economic and social interaction between the two countries. Read More Tags: India, Myanmar, Trade |
 December 2017In her keynote address at the dialogue on BiMSTEC at 20—Priorities for the Future, Ms. Grace Asirwatham, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, reflects on the prospects for connectivity and prosperity among BIMSTEC member countries and explores the organization's priorities, including trade, transport, energy, and climate change. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 November 2017An Asian Development Bank report suggests that a shift in India’s electricity policy could help address the acute electricity shortages faced by SAARC countries, which affects socioeconomic development as well as business operations. Policy amendments could help facilitate cross-border power trade among SAARC countries and give communities better access to electricity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2017The Second Meeting of the SAARC Council of Experts of Energy Regulators (CEERE) on 24-25 October 2017 discussed a road map for implementation of the SAARC Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation (Electricity), issues on power trade, including harmonization of grid code, operating procedures for cross-border power trade, and harmonization of electricity laws. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Trade |
 October 2017Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, India, and Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Foreign Minister, Bangladesh, co-chaired the Fourth India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) Meeting, reviewing progress on key initiatives and decisions in areas including trade and investment, security, connectivity, border management, power, energy, shipping, and people-to-people exchange. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Energy, Hydropower, Trade, Investment |
 October 2017India's Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) piloted paperless processing of documents in Chennai and New Delhi to promote the ease of doing business. CBEC's newest facility enables digitally signed supporting documents to be uploaded to further reduce clearance time. Read More Tags: Trade, India, Customs |
 October 2017Mr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, India, met with Bhutan top leaders to discuss trade and economic ties, energy cooperation, and the implementation of India-assisted projects in Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower, India, Trade |
 September 2017India has formed the India-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce (IMCC) in Yangon to increase trade between the two countries, which currently stands at around $2 billion. IMCC will focus on helping Indian business invest in Myanmar and vice versa. Read More Tags: Agriculture, Exports, Imports, India, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises, Thailand, Trade, Transport |
 September 2017A roundtable discussion held in Myanmar noted the need to substantially increase connectivity, trade and diplomatic relations between Myanmar and India. Officials from the two countries participated in the India-Myanmar Dialogue: Act East Policy and India-Myanmar Relations, held on 2 September 2017 in Yangon, Myanmar. The forum was organized by Parami Roundtable and Mizzima Media Group. Read More Tags: ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Connectivity, India, Myanmar, Trade |
 August 2017This commentary by Ms. Ferdaus Ara, Chief Executive Officer, Business Initiative Leading Development, examines the effect of non-tariff barriers to trade on Bangladesh-India exports by discussing the restriction on imports of tomato from Bangladesh. While exporting tomato from Bangladesh would benefit Indian consumers, policies in India, including the Plant Quarantine Order on Regulations of Import 2003, need to be amended. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Tariffs, Trade |
 August 2017Bangladesh plans to export 102.5 gigabit per second of bandwidth to its neighbors, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Negotiations are ongoing to enable 2.5 Gb per second of bandwidth export to Bhutan through India’s Power Grid Corporation of India Limited's fiber optic cable. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, ICT, Trade |
 August 2017The 18th session of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Senior Officials' Meeting and the 15th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting stressed the importance of cooperation in energy, technology, trade, and transport, through a revitalized, more integrated, and stronger BIMSTEC process. The Joint Statement underscored the need to finalize the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Agreement. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Nepal, Bangladesh, Regional Cooperation, Energy, Technology, Trade, Transport, Free Trade Agreement |
 August 2017The Government of Bangladesh will develop four land ports as part of its initiatives to increase trade and commerce with India. Around $85.2 million was approved by Bangladesh's Executive National Economic Council to improve the Sheola, Bhomra, and Ramgarh land ports. Another project will be undertaken to modernize security at Benapole land port. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ports, SASEC, Trade |
 July 2017The new Agreement on Trade, Commerce, and Transit between India and Bhutan has come into force beginning 29 July 2017. It provides for a free trade regime between the territories of India and Bhutan, and allows duty free transit of Bhutanese goods for trade with third countries. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Trade, Free Trade Agreement, Transit Facilitation, Transport |
 July 2017Mr. Younus Dagha, Federal Secretary of Commerce, Pakistan, has urged the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries to focus on removing non-tariff barriers to strengthen trade in the region. The region holds immense trade and investment potential, being home to 21% of the world's population. Read More Tags: SAARC CCI, Investments, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India |
 July 2017The Asian Development Bank has approved a $21 million loan to support the Government of Nepal’s efforts to simplify, harmonize, and modernize the country’s trade processes, under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation. The program will help the country to promote and diversify exports, and help it fulfill its commitments to international customs standards. Read More Tags: ADB, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Nepal |
 July 2017Mr. Harsh Vardan Shringla, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, urged the business community to increase the volume of India-Bangladesh cross-border trade, noting how standards certification will boost trade for Bangladesh products. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Standards Harmonization, Trade |
 June 2017The International Trade Centre's Trade Map reports an increase in intraregional trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion in 2016, from $21.65 billion in 2015 to $23.52 billion. The ratio of BBIN intraregional trade to world trade went up from 2.98% in 2015 to 3.34% in 2016. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Energy, Trade |
 May 2017Finance ministers and senior officials of member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka met on 5 May at Yokohama, Japan, at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 50th Annual General Meeting. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Asia, Climate Change, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, Policy, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 April 2017Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India on 25-29 April 2017, for discussion with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe welcomed the signing of the MoU for Cooperation in Economic Projects, which outlines the agenda for bilateral economic cooperation. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Infrastructure, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 March 2017The Commerce Secretaries of the Government of Bhutan and the Government of Bangladesh met on 23-24 March 2017 in Thimphu, Bhutan, to discuss the promotion of trade and commerce. The Secretaries agreed to negotiate an inland water transit protocol, and initiate a memorandum of understanding for mutual recognition of standards and classifications. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Standards Harmonization, Trade, Transport |
 March 2017SASEC is now on Facebook, connecting followers to the most up-to-date news on regional cooperation in South Asia, SASEC events, project information, and publications that are all featured daily on www.sasec.asia. To follow SASEC on Facebook, simply click here; then click “Like” at the top of the Facebook page. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Economic cooperation |
 March 2017Low exports and rising imports are causing exponential growth in Nepal's trade deficit, according to Nepal’s Minister of Commerce, and he urged ministries, agencies, and the private sector to collaborate to bridge Nepal's widening export gap. The Ministry of Commerce has prioritized initiatives to promote Nepal's productive capacity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Trade |
 March 2017Informal trading in the Northeast region's border 'haats' (rural markets) between India and Myanmar is doing very well, reported Mr. Najib Shah, Chairman of India's Central Board of Excise and Customs. The Government of India is considering opening more border haats to promote trade ties with its neighbors. Read More Tags: India, Myanmar, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Connectivity |
 March 2017The Eighth BIMSTEC Roundtable Meeting tackled “Rewriting the Rulebook of Regional Connectivity,” emphasizing the need to resolve border-related trade barriers through coordination of government policies across Asia, including Customs procedures and clearance of goods, to unlock the vibrancy of the Asian Highway and reduce the cost of doing business. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade, Customs, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, ICT, Nepal, Transport, Ease of Doing Business |
 February 2017Amidst the rising debate against trade and globalization, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevêdo argues against increasing protectionism and emphasizes how trade has proven its worth in development benefits. He remarks how trade can become more inclusive, with gains shared across society. Read More Tags: Trade, Development, Employment, Globalization, Trade Facilitation, Protectionism |
 February 2017Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar increased from nearly $11.9 million in 2013-2014 to around $22.2 million in 2015-2016, according to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. India's Act East Policy was instrumental in promoting trade growth between the two countries, deepening economic cooperation and expanding trade through India's Northeast region. Read More Tags: Act East Policy, India, Myanmar, Trade, Transport |
 February 2017The Governments of India and Nepal discussed how to bring transmission line projects—the Dhalkebar (Nepal)-Muzaffarpur (India) transmission line, Raxaul (India)-Parwanipur (Nepal) transmission line, and Kataiya (India)-Kushaha (Nepal) transmission line—into operation. They agreed to increase the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line to 220 kVa capacity in May 2017, and begin electricity import through the Raxaul-Parwanipur and Kataiya-Kushaha transmission line. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Transmission, Hydropower, Trade, Electricity |
 February 2017Indian business leaders met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevêdo to discuss the future of the global trading system. The roundtable meeting, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce and attended by over 50 senior representatives from various sectors, focused on trade reforms to strengthen inclusive growth and other world trade developments. Read More Tags: India, Employment, Services, Trade, Trade Facilitation, WTO |
 January 2017A railway network linking India and its neighboring countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, is being considered by the Government of India, according to India Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. Developing railway connectivity will increase employment, interaction, trade, and tourism. Read More Tags: India, Rail, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Tourism, Employment |
 January 2017India is set to join the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or International Road Transport Convention in its bid to establish seamless trade connectivity with Southeast Asia and Eurasian countries. Through the TIR Convention, India could access Eurasia via the International North-South Transport Corridor. TIR would also give India an advantage in trade with fellow signatories of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Connectivity, Customs, Economic corridor, Harmonization, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Road, Roads, Trade Facilitation, Trade, Transport, BBIN |
 January 2017Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, member countries of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), moved to expand trade and boost growth in the region by agreeing to increase the number of products under preferential tariff treatment to 10,677 items from 4,270 at the 4th session of the APTA Ministerial Council. Read More Tags: Asia-Pacific, Bangladesh, Development, Regional Cooperation, Services, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Tariffs, Trade, Trade Facilitation, UNESCAP, India |
 January 2017The Second India-Bhutan Joint Working Group on Customs highlighted the possibility of facilitating bilateral trade in select land Customs stations along Bhutan-India borders; and discussed streamlining Customs procedures and document requirements at entry and exit points. It also agreed to open three more trading points between Bhutan and India, and discussed issues including development of Goods and Service Tax in India. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Customs, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Bilateral Agreement |
 January 2017The new Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Riaz Hamidullah called on Sri Lanka Finance Minister, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake to discuss a potential Bangladesh-Sri Lanka free trade agreement. The Meeting emphasized benefits to be gained by both countries from this type of agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Free Trade Agreement |
 December 2016Least Developed Countries (LDCs) comprise around 880 million people yet account for less than 2% of the world gross domestic product. South Asian countries can accelerate economic development and graduate from the LDC category by working with each other. The economic future of their people could change radically through collaboration between the countries and lift millions of people out of poverty. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade, UNCTAD |
 December 2016Bangladesh has adopted the mantra "Digital Bangladesh" in its push to reduce trade costs, by implementing paperless trade through an electronic system. The country has already launched an online trade portal; the Central Bank is successfully conducting electronic transactions; and the National Board of Revenue has also enhanced its paperless capacity. Asjadul Kibria, Bangladeshi economic journalist, provides the following commentary. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Customs, Single Window, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Trade Facilitation Agreement, WTO |
 December 2016Nepal’s hydropower potential could be realized with an efficient technological base, entrepreneurial vision, a coordinated power trading approach, and sustained investment commitment. Hydropower development would bring economic, social, and environmental benefits in Nepal and the rest of the South Asian region. In this speech delivered at the Power Summit, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal vowed to support domestic and foreign investors through a policy encouraging investment. Read More Tags: Development, Energy, Hydropower, India, Investment, Nepal, Private Sector, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $20 million for the SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal, to be provided by the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. This additional financing will support installation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems by 2018. The Government of Nepal is also providing complementary funding of $24.5 million. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Trade, Hydropower, ADB, SASEC, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Solar Energy, India |
 December 2016The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence under the Central Board of Excise and Customs organized the 4th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting in New Delhi, India, as part of its Founding Day celebrations. The Heads of Customs Enforcement from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius and Maldives were invited to participate in the said Meeting, which discussed issues of mutual concern, noted the need to share information and activate channels of coordination. Read More Tags: Customs, Trade Facilitation, South Asia, Regional Cooperation, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Trade |
 December 2016India's Ministry of Power has issued Guidelines on Cross-Border Trade of Electricity, with the aim of facilitating cross-border trade of electricity between India and its neighboring countries; promoting transparency, consistency and predictability in regulatory approaches across jurisdictions and minimizing perceptions of regulatory risk; and developing reliable grid operation and transmission of electricity across borders. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Hydropower, SAARC, Trade |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan for $187 million to Nepal for the SASEC Roads Improvement Project, which will upgrade transport connectivity and bring transformational gains by making social services more accessible, opening up previously untapped economic opportunities, and supporting trade between Nepal and India. Read More Tags: SASEC, Transport, Nepal, Connectivity, ADB, Services, Trade |
 November 2016The new India-Bhutan Trade, Commerce and Transit Agreement was signed on 12 November 2016 in Thimphu, Bhutan. The bilateral Agreement focuses on promoting trade between the two countries through trade facilitation, improving trade procedures, and adding exit and entry points to facilitate Bhutan's third-country trade. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade Facilitation, Trade, LLDC |
 November 2016Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to sign a free trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. This decision came out of of the Fifth Joint Economic Cooperation Session between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and reflects an eagerness of both countries to improve trade volumes. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Free Trade Agreement, Exports, Imports |
 November 2016EPing, an online alert system for updates on the latest information on regulatory requirements for international trade, was launched by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the World Trade Organization, and the International Trade Centre. The system enables access to WTO member notifications on TBT and SPS measures, and facilitates dialogue among the public and private sector in the early stages of potential trade issues. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, Trade, WTO, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 November 2016A conference held by the Sri Lanka Press Institute highlighted how enabling paperless trade will improve Sri Lanka's business competitiveness, and help the country achieve its ambition of becoming a regional logistics hub by enhancing its international trade processes. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Trade, Trade Facilitation, ICT |
 November 2016The Governments of Bangladesh and India are preparing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their agreement on Bangladesh-India border ‘haats’ (markets). The MOU extends the provision to operate border haats to five years, increases the number of vendors allowed, and sets a $200 purchase limit per person. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Border Haat |
 October 2016Mr. Romi Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Commerce, Nepal, emphasized the need to finalize and implement the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Free Trade Area (FTA) Framework Agreement, to help boost growth among least developed and developing nations in South and Southeast Asia. He also highlighted implementation of the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade, Nepal, Transport |
 October 2016The Second Meeting of Maldives-Thailand Joint Trade Committee agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, and pursue cooperation in tourism, fishing, labor, and health. The Government of Maldives also agreed to lift tariffs on imported goods from Thailand. Read More Tags: Maldives, Thailand, Trade |
 September 2016The Asian Development Bank has approved a multitranche loan of $1.5 billion to the Government of Bangladesh for construction of a key section of the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway line—the largest ever investment in railways by ADB. The new line will improve Bangladesh’s access to Myanmar and beyond, facilitate trade, and boost tourism in southeastern Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Rail, Connectivity, Transport, Trade, Tourism |
 September 2016The 13th SAARC trade fair was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, to promote intra-regional trade and investment among SAARC countries. In his opening address, Mr. Lekey Dorji, Bhutan Economic Affairs Minister, underscored the importance of fostering business links among companies in the region to accelerate economic growth and improve people's well-being. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, South Asia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka |
 September 2016A seminar organized by CUTS International has recommended promotion of regional value chains in agriculture between India and Bangladesh. A recent CUTS International study revealed huge opportunities for trade in agricultural produce: for example, in Tripura, India, produce sourced from Indian states can be easily imported from nearby areas of Bangladesh at a much faster time and for less cost. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Trade |
 September 2016The Government of Bangladesh will establish a National Single Window to simplify cross-border trade procedures and improve Bangladesh's ease of doing business. The System will facilitate import, export, and transit transactions using an electronic portal that links all relevant agencies for cross-border trade. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 September 2016Customs-free borders for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal will save time and money for importers and exporters and thereby increase the ease of doing business, according to an executive of the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO). Because goods no longer have to be unloaded at the border, trucks can easily cross borders, reducing time and logistics costs for both buyer and seller. Read More Tags: BBIN, Customs, Trade, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India |
 September 2016Bangladesh is set to sign a free trade agreement and a coastal shipping deal with Sri Lanka to boost trade and investments between the two countries. A Joint Study Group will be formed to accelerate development of the coastal shipping agreement, for which standard operating procedures are being drafted. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Free Trade Agreement |
 September 2016Finance Ministers from the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states are pushing for the formation of a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) to ensure larger inflow of investments, higher trade volumes, and energy generation. The ministers highlighted the need to fast-track the formation of the SAEU to help boost the inflow of investments and trade volumes. Read More Tags: SAEU, SAARC, Trade, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal |
 August 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting focused on improving trade relations among member nations. Discussions revolved around economic issues, Customs unions, avoidance of double taxation, improving connectivity, increasing trade volume, and developing supply chain linkages. Read More Tags: SAARC, India, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Customs, SASEC, Trade |
August 2016 The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting focused on improving trade relations among member nations. Discussions revolved around economic issues, Customs unions, avoidance of double taxation, improving connectivity, increasing trade volume, and developing supply chain linkages. Read More Tags: SAARC, India, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Customs, SASEC, Trade |
 August 2016The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) undertook a 6-day visit to Bangladesh, and met with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), to look into economic opportunities India and Bangladesh could tap. SGCCI signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with DCCI and CCCI, to explore new areas of cooperation and boost bilateral trade relations. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Private Sector, Trade |
 August 2016The Bhutan-Thailand Joint Trade Commission held its first meeting on 24-25 August 2016 in Thimphu, Bhutan, to discuss ways to increase bilateral trade and improve economic cooperation. Ms. Apiradi Tantrapon, Minister for Commerce, Thailand, emphasized that implementing the 2013 bilateral trade and economic cooperation agreement is key to strengthening economic relations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Thailand, Trade |
 August 2016The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) India Business Council (AIBC) called for opening of trade between India's northeastern states and the ASEAN region, in a meeting with India Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. AIBC also sought to finalize the ASEAN-India Transit Transport Agreement before completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. Read More Tags: India, Trade, Transport, ASEAN |
 August 2016Ongoing negotiations for the proposed Sri Lanka-India Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) are addressing many of the existing procedural barriers and delays Sri Lankan exporters face in Indian ports of entry. In this speech, Mr. Malik Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, discusses measures included in the Government's economic reform agenda, including ETCA. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Trade, Exports, India |
 August 2016Absence of a harmonized system of standards among South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) members is one reason for the increase of technical barriers to trade, giving rise to non-tariff barriers that hamper SAARC intra-regional trade. A commentary by Mr. Wasi Ahmed, a former senior trade diplomat, discusses the growing recognition of importance of harmonized regional standards within SAARC. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, Regional Cooperation, Standards Harmonization, Bangladesh, India |
 August 2016Bangladesh is seeking to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to deepen Bangladesh-ASEAN economic, political, and cultural connectivity. Formalization of ties will promote trade flow, investment, and cultural exchanges between South and Southeast Asia, emphasized Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, ASEAN, Trade |
 August 2016The Government of India is taking steps to boost the country’s exports by promoting access to new products, and expanding market access initiatives and market development schemes. India is promoting product standards, providing a facility for duty-free import of machinery for production of goods for export, and helping in the packaging and branding of Indian-made products. Read More Tags: India, Exports, Trade |
 July 2016The Indian Prime Minister is prioritizing stronger relations with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries. Deputy High Commissioner of India JP Singh said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking steps to improve trade relations with SAARC member states, citing the liberalization of India’s visa regime for the business community. Read More Tags: India, SAARC, Trade, Business, Visa |
 July 2016The Governments of India and Sri Lanka have agreed to fast-track negotiations on the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, with the aim of concluding talks by end 2016. A meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan officials is set in August 2016, where discussions may include removal of technical barriers to trade hampering Sri Lankan exports to India. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 July 2016The 24th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) endorsed the "National Energy Demand and Supply Study," which was undertaken to address the issue of latent demand and come up with a more realistic demand forecast for energy. According to the study, Nepal's energy demand will reach around 10,000 megawatts by 2030. Electricity will also have a dominant share of energy in Nepali households. Read More Tags: Energy, Trade, Nepal |
 July 2016India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the Petrapole Integrated Checkpost (ICP). Prime Minister Modi lauded the event as an important milestone in India-Bangladesh relations, providing a boost to bilateral connectivity and trade, while Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina expressed hope that the ICP will further enhance good relations between the two countries Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Customs, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 July 2016Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), have stepped up their support for the proposed SAARC Industrial Parks by allocating lands for the planned initiative. Designated areas include Chittagong, Bangladesh; Gujarat, India; and Faisalabad City, Pakistan. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, Private Sector, Bangladesh, India |
 July 2016India's Central Board of Excise and Customs is working to fast-track cargo clearance to hours, instead of days, through implementation of a paperless system for cargo clearance. The Government of India aims to fully digitize Customs clearance, replacing physical documentation, by 2017. Read More Tags: India, Customs, Trade |
 July 2016Business leaders at the recent Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Business Forum and Expo said they want to see an industrial zone in Panchagarh, Bangladesh, as this would be close to Biratnagar in Nepal, Phuntsholing in Bhutan, and Siliguri in India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Transport |
 July 2016The BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) is making it easier for passengers and freight vehicles in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to travel around the region. BBIN finalized the MVA in an effort to facilitate cross-border trade and travel in South Asia. A BBIN Business Forum sees energy and water cooperation playing a vital role in taking integration even further in the region. Read More Tags: India, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport, BBIN |
 June 2016Good relations, regional connectivity, and cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) countries boost trade and business in South Asia, said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 18 June 2016. Read More Tags: Cooperation, Bangladesh, Trade, BBIN |
 June 2016India and Thailand have agreed to speed up talks on the India-Thailand Free Trade Agreement and bilateral investment treaty. The two countries also agreed to fast-track infrastructure projects linking each other, such as the Asian Trilateral Highway connecting India and Thailand through Myanmar. Read More Tags: India, Thailand, Myanmar, Free Trade Agreement, Trade |
 June 2016Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have expressed interest in adopting best practices of the Indian Trade Portal in setting up their own trade portals to promote international trade. Trade portals to be set up by Bhutan and Nepal will also be useful for cargo being routed through India, and will contribute to the common documentation system needed to implement the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Portal, Trade Facilitation, SASEC, Customs, Trade |
 June 2016Sri Lanka needs to immediately put in place a comprehensive system of trade agreements, says Mr. Malik Samarawickram, Sri Lanka Minister for International Trade. In a business forum in Singapore, Mr. Samarawickram highlighted Sri Lanka's efforts to remove certain tariffs and to modernize its Customs system through ASYCUDA and the one-stop shop at the Central Customs Clearance Unit. Read More Tags: Trade, Sri Lanka, Exports, Ports |
 June 2016The 7th Session of the Second Parliament of Bhutan passed the new Customs Bill on 7 June 2016. The Bill was drafted according to standards of the Revised Kyoto Convention, and aims to simplify and harmonize Customs procedures in the country and introduce international best practices in Customs. It aims to promote external trade, including trade with countries in the SAARC region, and bring increased revenue through risk management and automation. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Customs, Standards Harmonization, Trade |
 June 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF) and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry have pledged to collaborate and co-finance projects under the SDF's social, economic and infrastructure windows to promote regional connectivity across the SAARC region. Read More Tags: SAARC CCI, SAARC, Regional Cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 June 2016Indian entrepreneurs have invested INR 3,084.43 crore ($458.14 million) in Bangladesh, a move that has created 63,277 jobs, says Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh. He also said Bangladesh is looking forward to being India’s partner in tech industries. Read More Tags: SAFTA, India, Bangladesh, Trade |
 May 2016Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena agreed to further enhance bilateral trade relations at a meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Outreach Summit in Japan. President Sirisena also accepted an invitation extended by Prime Minister Hasina to visit Bangladesh in December this year. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 May 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Development Fund (SAARC SDF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to undertake development projects in the South Asian region. Read More Tags: ADB, Transport, SAARC, ICT, Trade, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 May 2016The India-Myanmar Business Conclave met recently as part of a push for stronger economic ties between the two countries. At a conference on 18-20 May in Yangon, Myanmar, business leaders discussed partnerships as well as opportunities for future cooperation. Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry of India, spoke on forging partnerships, highlighting India’s opening of 96.4% of tariff lines at zero duty for Myanmar. Read More Tags: Myanmar, India, Trade, Energy, ICT |
 May 2016The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) explored the possibility of growing its trade volume from Bhutan through investments in the country's fruit and vegetable processing industries and buying spices from Bhutan. FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad was in the country to explore new areas of trade and investments between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade, Private Sector |
 May 2016A bilateral meeting led by Bangladesh Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon and Nepal Commerce Secretary Naindra Prasad Upadhyay initiated a number of measures to expand trade volume between the two countries, including removal of technical barriers to trade, harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and preferential market access for 158 products. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Standards Harmonization, Technical Barriers to Trade |
 May 2016A Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) economic zone may be declared in an upcoming BBIN seminar and business expo to be held in Siliguri, India, according to Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Mr. Ahmad was in Thimphu, Bhutan to discuss the upcoming BBIN seminar, as well as opportunities for trade and investment between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Read More Tags: Economic zone, BBIN, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016The Economic Cooperation Dialogue on Regional Connectivity and Border Special Development Zones in Eastern South Asia highlighted the importance of transport corridors to promote trade and economic cooperation in the region. Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Head, UNESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, shared how developing transport corridors can turn constraints faced by the region's landlocked countries into opportunities. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, South Asia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016The Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports, developed with support of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, entered into force on 23 April 2016, after 8 of the 17 signatory countries, including Bangladesh and India, deposited approvals of Agreement. The Agreement aims to promote international recognition of dry ports, facilitating investment in dry port infrastructure and enhancing their operational efficiency. Read More Tags: Ports, Trade Facilitation, Trade, LLDC, Bangladesh, India |
 April 2016A strong business agenda in services trade could improve opportunities in South Asia, increasing the level of prosperity and economic development in the region, emphasized India Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia as she called for South Asian countries to work together to push services exports. Read More Tags: India, Services, Trade |
 April 2016India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari announced the Government's updated target to complete the Sagar Mala program in 5 years at the Maritime India Summit. The project will help reduce logistics costs, boost merchandise exports by $110 million, and create 10 million new jobs. Read More Tags: India, Ports, Transport, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2016Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh discussed increasing volumes of imports from Bangladesh to the Indian state of Manipur during a visit by the Bangladesh Commerce Minister. Chief Minister Singh affirmed the huge demand for Bangladeshi products, and recommended enhanced private sector cooperation between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 April 2016A Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) dialogue on promoting trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion has discussed intraregional trade in South Asia, which remains under 5% despite implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. According to MCCI, non-tariff measures manifested as non-tariff barriers and para-tariff barriers lead to high transaction costs in cross-border trade, keeping trade volume low. Read More Tags: Trade, BBIN, SAFTA, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 March 2016A delegation from Bhutan's Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies participated in an interactive session with representatives from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce. The Meeting discussed possible cooperation between Bhutan and India's North East in sectors including trade, commerce, hydropower, and tourism. Read More Tags: Trade, Hydropower, Bhutan, India |
 March 2016Direct cargo shipments between Bangladesh-India were launched on 15 March 2016, with the first vessel sailing from Chittagong Port, Bangladesh to Krishnapatnam Port, India on 17 March 2016, carrying cotton and textiles. The service reduces transport time significantly—from 25 to 4 days to carry goods from Bangladesh to India, with goods no longer having to pass through Colombo, Sri Lanka, or Singapore. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Ports, Trade Facilitation |
 March 2016The Government of Bangladesh has launched the Bangladesh Trade Portal, a one-stop shop for information on conducting trade with Bangladesh. The website offers useful information on exporting goods from, and importing commercial goods into Bangladesh, to promote the country's trade sector. Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said the portal marks a milestone for business and traders. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Trade Facilitation, ICT |
 February 2016The SAARC-ADB First Training Programme of Nodal Points on Updating SAARCSTAT Web Portal was organised by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The Training focused on updating national data available on the SAARCSTAT Web Portal to enhance usability, and equipped representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka with knowledge and capacity to upload and update their information on the website. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, Economic cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 February 2016The Second Meeting of the SAARC Energy Regulators agreed to address regulatory barriers through a Regional Regulatory Body, which will work toward harmonizing legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks to promote wider availability of electricity and boost cross-border trade in the region. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Trade, Sri Lanka |
 January 2016Sri Lanka Customs launched its Single Window System, paving the way for smoother and more efficient cross-border trade transactions. According to Sri Lanka Customs Director General Chulananda Perera, the Single Window benefits traders by lessening delays and cutting down on cumbersome procedures. Mr. Dinesh De Silva, Chairman, Import Section, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce sees the Single Window System driving down costs for businesses. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 January 2016Chittagong Seaport attained its 2016 target of handling 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers one year early. This announcement was made by the Chittagong Port Authority on 3 January 2015 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan as chief guest. According to Minister Khan, Chittagong Port's container holding capacity increased to 40,000 TEU, owing to a rise in container handling demand, which grew by 700,000 TEU in the last 3 years. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation, Trade, Transport, Shipping |
 December 2015The 4th India-Sri Lanka Commerce Secretary meeting agreed to include the signing of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Standards in the agenda of an upcoming meeting in February 2016. This MRA aims to boost Sri Lankan exports to India by automatically allowing products certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution to enter India. A study by Verite Research found that non-recognition of Sri Lanka's standards certificates in India affects growth of Sri Lankan exports in India. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 December 2015The World Trade Organization (WTO) 10th Ministerial Conference agreed on a series of trade initiatives and decisions to benefit its least developed country (LDC) members, including re-affirmation of public stockholding for food security purposes; preferential rules of origin which calls on preference-granting members to simplify documentary and procedural requirements related to origin; and 15-year extension of preferential treatment for LDCs in the area of services to increase LDC capacity. Read More Tags: WTO, LDC, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 December 2015Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Nepal Minister for Commerce and Supplies Ganesh Man Pun discussed Bangladesh-Nepal trade and other trade-related agreements currently being negotiated on the sidelines of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Nairobi, Kenya. The two ministers agreed to complete all bilateral trade agreements and fast-track negotiations to promote bilateral trade ties. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 November 2015Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) was discussed during a workshop on Bhutan's graduation from least developed country (LDC) status, held on 17-18 November 2015. The Workshop clarified how membership to the WTO will benefit Bhutan, including enjoying the benefits of a multilateral trading system with WTO member countries, and discussed wider implications of WTO membership. Read More Tags: Bhutan, WTO, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 November 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Wencai Zhang pledged ADB's continuous support for Bangladesh's efforts on regional cooperation and integration in a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He highlighted concrete results of Bangladesh's participation in regional cooperation, and discussed ADB plans to support Bangladesh's transformational infrastructure development. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Several initiatives to improve Bangladesh's connectivity with India's North East region are in the pipeline, to increase people-to-people contact and cross-border business. These include revamping trade infrastructures to connect border points, and expanding Bangladesh's diplomatic and consular presence in India's North East region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Dhaka, Ms. Yasoja Gunasekera said Bangladesh is working toward expanding economic ties with Sri Lanka for their mutual benefit, at an event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association-Bangladesh. She encouraged both countries to look beyond traditional economic thinking and explore initiatives to promote economic cooperation. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Trade |
 October 2015Bilateral discussions between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to sign a Free Trade Agreement enhancing trade and investment cooperation are at the final stage. According to Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, the two countries are working together to boost trade and increase connectivity. Bangladesh has proposed removal of all non-tariff barriers on exports, including pharmaceutical goods. Read More Tags: Trade, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka |
 October 2015The latest World Trade Report launched on 26 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland is the first major study to comprehensively examine the benefits and challenges of implementing the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) since its adoption in 2014. It highlights how extensive and speedy implementation of the TFA will lead to bigger gains, particularly for developing countries and least developed countries. Read More Tags: WTO, Trade Facilitation Agreement, Trade |
 October 2015Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lanka High Commissioner Yasoja Gunasekera discussed a possible scope of cooperation during a courtesy call paid by the High Commissioner to the Prime Minister in October. Prime Minister Hasina encouraged more Sri Lankan investments and joint ventures in Bangladesh's 22 special economic zones. Bangladesh is also considering introducing a sea route to Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Energy, Transport |
 October 2015The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC-CCI) has developed a comprehensive mechanism to resolve SAARC trade disputes amicably through the SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO). SARCO offers a fair mechanism, and guarantees thorough inquiry in the pursuit of legal solutions to conflicts. Read More Tags: SAARC Arbitration Council, SAARC CCI, Trade, South Asia |
 September 2015Indian Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman encouraged economies in the region to speedily work toward a free trade area with a defined timeline, preferably 2020, to achieve the joint vision of a South Asian Economic Union. Speaking at the South Asia Economic Conclave, she further highlighted that India is committed to total trade liberalization, and is working to ensure that its South Asian neighbors will be able to export to India on zero tariff. Read More Tags: India, Trade, SAEU |
 September 2015Regional cooperation and integration can help improve cross-border connectivity, increase regional trade and investment, mobilize regional savings for regional investment, reduce macroeconomic vulnerability to shocks, facilitate cooperation in regional public goods, and improve the overall governance standards across the region. A commentary on regional integration in South Asia is shared. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 September 2015Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended an invitation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka in May or June 2016 to sign an agreement on economic and technological cooperation. The two Prime Ministers held discussions on enhancing economic ties between India and Sri Lanka and resuming ferry services during Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi, India on 14-16 September 2015. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, India, Trade, Transport |
 September 2015Bhutan and Nepal conducted an international trade fair from 4-8 September 2015 in Thimphu, Bhutan to boost trade between the two countries. This private sector event recognizes Bhutan as a potential market for a growing number of businesses. A total of 215 business entities from seven countries participated in the fair. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, Trade, Private Sector |
 August 2015A meeting of the commerce ministries of Bangladesh and India to renew the Memorandum of Understanding for Bangladesh-India border markets agreed to double the purchase limit for buyers. This decision comes as the two countries prepare to set up more markets to boost bilateral ties and trade. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 August 2015A meeting of Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Bangladesh Export Policy 2015-2018. The new export policy highlights increasing trade with Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and targets $60 billion in annual export turnover by 2021. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, BBIN |
 August 2015Bangladesh recorded a trade surplus with Nepal in 2014-2015 for the first time in 10 years, due to a decrease in lentil imports. Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company figures show Nepal exported goods worth about $10.8 million, against imports of about $23.9 million last fiscal year. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2015Data from the World Trade Organization's (WTO) latest monitoring report reveal 104 new trade restrictions were adopted by WTO members from mid-October 2014 to mid-May 2015, an increase of 12% since the last reporting period. WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo said the organization should seek to make decisive progress in eliminating remaining trade-restrictive measures. Read More Tags: WTO, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 July 2015Integration indicators in the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) subregion have been updated to include 2014 data, based on calculations by the Asian Development Bank’s Asia Regional Integration Center. SASEC trade integration has continued to increase over 2012-2014, as shown by its Intra-regional Trade Intensity Index. Read More Tags: South Asia, Trade, Trade Integration |
 July 2015The Government of India has cleared utilization of India's capital contribution to the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) for its Infrastructure and Economic Windows, to address infrastructure bottlenecks and promote growth in the SAARC region. This approval will help boost projects that will increase intra-SAARC trade and maximize the region's growth potential. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, Transport |
 June 2015The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized a Meeting on the SAARC Statistical Organization (SAARC Stat) Web Portal in Kathmandu, Nepal on 29-30 June 2015 which facilitated a discussion between officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and former consultants of the SAARC Stat Web Portal concerning its timely and effective management. The SAARC Stat Web Portal aims to provide up-to-date and accurate statistical data and indica Read More Tags: SAARC, Economy, Trade |
 May 2015The State Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Asian Development Bank reviewed the inception report for the Regional Perspective Plan of the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), India’s first coastal corridor on 29 May in Hyderabad, India. Industrial analysis, infrastructure development and business regulatory reform proposals were presented. Read More Tags: India, Transport, Trade, manufacturing |
 May 2015A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the presidents of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 13 May 2015, stating that both chambers would assist the enterprises of the other country to invest jointly in their respective countries. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade |
 April 2015A Bilateral Committee is to prepare a new draft framework between India and Sri Lanka and bring life back to stalled negotiations related to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). CEPA aims to deepen the existing FTA between India and Sri Lanka, including in the areas of services and investments. In order to achieve the CEPA objective, it is recommended that representatives from relevant trade chambers – National Chamber of Exporters and Department of Commerce – be included. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 April 2015The Bangladesh Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the India-Bangladesh Trade Agreement allowing the two countries to access each other's rail, road, and sea routes for third-country trade. The agreement is a boon to trade in the subregion, paving the way for Bangladesh to transport products to Bhutan and Nepal, and for India to send goods directly to Myanmar. Read More Tags: Trade, Bangladesh, India |
 March 2015The fourth Nepal International Trade Fair, held 12-16 March 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighted Nepal's 19 priority export products identified by the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy. Business enterprises from other SAARC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan—also joined. A total of 340 stalls exhibited different goods for 5 days, drawing 125,000 visitors, and recorded sales worth over $1.9 million. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, SAARC, Hydropower |
 March 2015Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka on 13-14 March 2015, and signed four agreements with recently-elected Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, including a Customs Cooperation Agreement that aims to balance the trade deficit between the two countries. He is the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in 28 years. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade, Customs |
 March 2015The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) plans to form subregional blocs that will address common economic issues of its member countries to increase intra-regional trade. This was proposed under the SAARC CCI Action Plan for 2015, tabled during a joint session of SAARC CCI's 62nd Executive Committee and 20th General Assembly in New Delhi, India on 10 March 2015. Read More Tags: SAARC CCI, Trade, Transport, India |
 March 2015The Government of Bangladesh will issue South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) certificates to allow South Asian countries to export at lower duty and receive duty benefits while shipping products in eight South Asian countries. The EPB recently decided to issue certificates to smaller apparel makers to help them export to neighboring countries and meet the growing demand of low-cost garments from Bangladesh. Read More Tags: SAFTA, Bangladesh, Trade |
 February 2015Mr. Saurabh Kaushik, research intern for the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, examines the trend toward subregional cooperation in South Asia. He traces the reasons for lack of significant outcomes of subregional groupings in the region, and discusses the “silver linings” on the horizon, including projects being supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the SASEC program. Read More Tags: SAARC, BIMSTEC, IBM-SRC, Trade |
 February 2015The first Bangladesh-Nepal Expo 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal attracted about 100 private businesses and more than 10,000 visitors. Enterprises from Bangladesh showcased the wide variety of products Nepal’s business community can source from Bangladesh. The fair opened potential areas of trade and encouraged entrepreneurs from both countries to create business linkages with each other. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Bilateral Trade, Trade |
 February 2015India plans to reduce the number of sensitive items subject to import duty under the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) for Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It has already decreased the number of sensitive list items for least developed countries (LDCs) of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region. According to A.M. Gondane, Joint Secretary, SAARC, this will have Customs revenue implications for both countries. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 January 2015Intra-regional trade share among South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) countries increased from 2011-2013 as economic exchange within the region strengthened, although overall intra-Asia trade declined. SASEC intra-regional trade also increased in the first seven months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, yet its trade with the world decreased. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade |
 January 2015The Power Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Power Development Agreements (PDAs) are recent developments that have renewed optimism in an India-Nepal economic cooperation. The PTA is expected to encourage international investment in Nepal’s hydropower sector while the two PDAs are expected to boost investor confidence in Nepal’s water resources. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 January 2015Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and India Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman jointly inaugurated the first border market (“haat”) along the Tripura-Bangladesh frontier on 13 January 2015. Both ministers spoke optimistically about new opportunities for trade during the inauguration ceremony. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Transport |
 January 2015The Government of Bangladesh aims to graduate to middle-income country status by 2021. Once it reaches middle-income status, it will not enjoy duty-free benefit under GSP but move to the ‘GSP Plus’ scheme. Bangladesh will have to sign four international conventions on human rights, labor rights, environment, and governance to enjoy GSP Plus benefit from the EU. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, WTO |
 November 2014In recent decades, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the largest export markets for India in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation region. From 1988-1989 to 1992-1993, India’s total exports increased by 164%, while the increase in imports to Bangladesh was 293%. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Trade |
 October 2014The Validation Forum on Gender Dimensions of Regional Cooperation and Integration in South Asia, held on 28-29 October in ADB Headquarters, took stock of progress made in mainstreaming gender in multi-, regional, bilateral and country policies and legal frameworks. Read More Tags: Gender, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Trade |
 October 2014Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina addressed the Plenary Session of the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit 2014 and called for a more favorable trade regime, stronger technical cooperation, and better Asia-Europe connectivity. The European Union is Bangladesh’s largest export destination and Asia is Europe’s main trading partner with about US$2 trillion of Asia-Europe trade. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Asia-Europe, Trade |
 September 2014Finance Ministers and representatives from 49 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Member Countries and the European Commission attended the ASEM Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Milan, Italy on 12 September 2014. The Ministers renewed their commitment to increased inter-regional investment and trade flows, protectionism resistance, and a successful conclusion to the World Trade Organization Doha Round. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, WTO, Trade |
 August 2014Economic dynamism in the Asia-Pacific region has been driven primarily by individual economies, yet to ensure sustainable growth in the future, countries must integrate and cooperate to share prosperity, according to the 2014edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Poverty Reduction, UNESCAP, Asia-Pacific, Energy, Connectivity, ICT, LDC, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
 July 2014The Asian Development Bank approved just over $50 million for Bhutan’s South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project on 31 July 2014. The project will increase Bhutan's trade competitiveness by improving cross-border movement of people, goods, and business through construction and upgrading of the national highway network, and creating essential trade and trade facilitation infrastructure. Read More Tags: Trade, Bhutan, Transport |
 July 2014 |
 May 2014Data for Integration Indicators in the SASEC subregion have been updated to reflect trade figures from the Maldives and Sri Lanka, SASEC's newest members. Their inclusion boosts SASEC's intra-regional trade indicators and highlights the growing importance of regional trade. Data values for January-August 2013 were added. Read More Tags: Trade, Regional Integration, Maldives, Sri Lanka |
 April 2014The Asian Economic Integration Monitor (AEIM), a semiannual review of regional economic cooperation and integration in Asia covers regional economic updates, intraregional trade, financial integration and investment, and the importance of disaster risk financing instruments. The Theme Chapter: Insuring Against Asia’s Natural Catastrophes discusses market solutions and the role of government in developing disaster risk financing and strengthening financial resilience. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Trade, Financial integration |
 April 2014The Asian Development Outlook, ADB’s flagship economic publication provides comprehensive macroeconomic analysis in Asia including growth projections by country and region. The Asian Development Outlook 2014 forecasts that developing Asia will grow 6.2% in 2014 and 6.4% in 2015. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, Economy |
 March 2014The Third Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit of Leaders and related events was held on 1-4 March 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Member States – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka – strengthened their resolve to jointly promote rapid economic development, and accelerate social progress in the sub-region. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Transport, Trade |
 February 2014The Asian Development Bank has approved technical assistance of $500,000 for SASEC member countries to develop a comprehensive long-term regional transmission master plan for the region to more effectively coordinate power generation and transmission. The project aims to improve the planning and coordination capacity of SASEC countries to foster cross-border power trading. Read More Tags: Energy, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 November 2012 |
 November 2012 |
 June 2012 |
 June 2012The SAARC Working Group noted that under Phase II all member states had already reduced their respective Sensitive Lists by a minimum of 20%. Bhutan India and Maldives had made substantial reductions in their lists which in fact were significantly more than the previously mandated reduction level. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Free Trade Agreement, India, Maldives, SAARC, SAFTA, South Asia, Trade |
 May 2012 |
 April 2012 |
