Dhaka talks: Bangla may raise trade barrier issue

India and Bangladesh will hold talks on bilateral trade on July 22 where the issue of trade barriers faced by Bangladeshi exporters is likely to figure.

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh will discuss with Bangladesh Government Advisor for Communication, Shipping and Civil Aviation M A Matin. Besides, Ramesh will be present at the launch of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry by Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed.

The meeting follows External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's

tour of Bangladesh in February this year." It demonstrates the seriousness of the Government of India to pursue closer economic engagement with Bangladesh," an official statement said in New Delhi.

In the bilateral trade of $1.7 billion, Bangladesh runs a large deficit and has raised concerns over what it describes are non-tariff barriers imposed by India.

India has taken up infrastructure development projects along the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Maghalaya to improve trade connectivity.