Bangladesh opens Chattogram, Mongla ports for trade with India

India and Bangladesh signed an agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh for movement of goods to and from India. Both the countries also decided to initiate river cruises services between Kolkata- Dhaka- Guwahati-Jorhat.

Both sides agreed to develop Jogighopa as a trans-shipment terminal for movement of cargo to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Bhutan and notifying Munsiganj River terminal by Bangladesh Customs for routing third party Exim cargo through Kolkata Port.

Shipping Secretary Gopal Krishna said the move will strengthen trade ties between the two neighbours. “An addendum to Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) between India and Bangladesh was also signed for inclusion of new ports Dhubri in India and Pangaon in Bangladesh,” said Krishna.

Discussions were also held to make Nakugaon Land Port in Bangladesh and Dalu ICP in India operational and to connect Gelephu in Bhutan as tripartite cross border route.