BAN delegation in Bangladesh explore investment opportunities

May 11, 2023 15 Views No Comment

Dimapur, May 11 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) delegation attended a special seminar on ‘investment opportunities between North East India and Bangladesh with special focus on Nagaland’ in Dhaka, Bangladesh on May 8.

The 12-member BAN delegation is on a five-day business trip to Bangladesh on the invitation of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Dr Yan Murry, General Secretary, BAN stated in a press release.

The seminar held at Pan Pacific Hotel, Dhaka was graced by Industries Minister of Bangladesh, Nurul Majid Humayun as the chief guests and Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma as guest of honour.

Expressing optimism, Minister Humayun said that Bangladesh has developed an industrial ecosystem where in a short time profit can be generated by companies. The country has established 100 special economic zones which facilitate industrial growth. He noted that Nagaland is blessed with natural and organic produce which can be easily marketed.

The High Commissioner, Pranay Verma described NE region of India as a ‘natural hub’ for boosting trade and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and India. He invited industrialists from Bangladesh to take full advantage of the emerging opportunities in the fast-growing economy of the north-eastern Indian states and further explore the potential of bilateral trade and investment.

Verma also highlighted the recent initiatives taken to develop greater cross-border connectivity, trade infrastructure, and economic linkages between the north-eastern states of India and Bangladesh.

Speaking at the programme, BAN President, L Mongkum Jamir informed that it was during the G20 Summit in Kohima, Nagaland where the visiting Bangladesh delegation had invited BAN. Thanking the IBCCI for the invitation and hospitality, Jamir said, “There was a need to explore business and trading in both sides of the border given the proximity.”

Chairing the programme, President IBCCI, Abdul Matlub Ahmad said that 34 MoUs were signed between Bangladesh companies and the visiting BAN delegation, and even if 10% of it materialises, it will be a historic start.

Earlier, B2B meetings were held between Bangladesh companies and visiting BAN delegation at the Nitol-Niloy group headquarters in Dhaka. BAN delegation also had a meeting with the First Secretary of the Indian High Commission Pratik Negi, IFS who is also in-charge of Economics and Commerce.

It may be mentioned that Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati, Ruhul Aminwas instrumental in assisting BAN delegation’s visit and Director of the IBCCI, Guwahati chapter Shah Md. Farid was also part of BAN delegation.

Meanwhile, an earlier press release issued by BAN stated that BAN delegations led by its President, L Mongkum Jamir were the first business group to use the Dawki Land Port on May 5.

Dawki Land Port is located in the West Jantia Hills, Meghalaya along the international border between India and Bangladesh. It was inaugurated by Union Minister, Nityanand Rai on May 4 last. The Dawki Land Port will serve as an important economic and transportation hub between India and Bangladesh, easing the passage of products, persons, and vehicles across the border.

After crossing the border, BAN delegation were received by Secretary General, IBCCI Abul Kalam Azad. BAN held a meeting with Tamabil Limestone and Coal Importers Group and Dolly Khonglah, President, Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce.

Later, at the Nitol-Niloy Industrial Park the BAN delegation was welcomed by Abdul Matlub Ahmad, chairman, Nitol-Niloy Group and President, IBCCI. The delegates were given a tour of the industrial park and its facilities including the Nitol Curtis Paper Mill Limited which has a production capacity of 84 MT per day.

At a business meet held in the Industrial Park with Sunamgan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the BAN delegation held a B2B meeting on trade prospects and signed 10 MoUs, the release stated.

The BAN delegation is also accompanied by Ababe Ezung, OSD (Transport), Civil Aviation, Railways and Inland Waterways, Government of Nagaland.