In a step towards strengthening India-Bangladesh Trade relations, the Tripura Government has provided a permanent market place for Bangladesh businessmen here.
Tripura has become the first state in the country to have an exclusive market for businessmen from Bangladesh on the first floor of the Mukut Bipani Bitan, a trade centre in the New Capital Complex in Agartala.
The market is the first of its kind to bring together Bangladeshi products under one roof.
In the initial stage, fifteen Bangladeshi companies will showcase products like sarees, crockery, handloom items, rubber and electronic goods.
A week- long Bangladesh expo had been organised at the market by the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the state's industry and commerce department.
Chairman of Agartala Municipal Council Prafullajit Sinha said that the trade and commerce between Bangladesh and India through Tripura, would definitely help development of Tripura and also the Northeast region.
"Because of these developments, the business has increased. So, automatically, the financial and other conditions will develop. Employment generation will also be there. That is why I think, the trade and commerce between Bangladesh and India through Tripura, will definitely help the development process of Tripura and also Northeast," he said.
The volume of trade between India and Bangladesh has registered a significant increase, especially after India provided tax relief on several Bangladeshi commodities.
The construction of the Agartala-Akhaura railway link is also expected to boost trade.
There is a huge demand for Bangladeshi goods in the region and the market will facilitate better contact between Indian customers and businessmen with their Bangladeshi counterparts.
Md. Islam, a Bangladeshi businessman, said the market has been opened to further enhance the tourism, business and relations between the people of the two countries.
"People of Agartala have great feelings toward Bangladeshis and vice versa .So, we have opened this market to further enhance tourism and business relations. This centre will help the businessmen to interact among themselves here and save time," he said.
Meanwhile, Swapna Debnath, a local customer, said a permanent market for products of Bangladesh would benefit the people here.
"We wanted a permanent market for Bangladesh products and it will be beneficial for us. I found various products which we use to get rarely if someone came from Dhaka. But now, we are able to get them permanently here," she said.
Initiatives like this would not only promote better trade relations between the two countries, but also, strengthen people-to-people contact.
