The Ministry of Shipping has proposed to hold the meeting between Bangladesh and India at the shipping secretary level from 18 to 22 October in Delhi.
At the meeting in Delhi, Bangladesh is preparing to emphasise on coastal shipping to increase trade between the two countries. Another important point is to focus on building infrastructure in land ports.
The topic of issuing ‘on arrival visas’ to Bangladeshi sailors who have jobs in foreign ships and tourists will be raised again for discussion. Six organisations have sent proposals to the Ministry of Shipping to discuss a total of 29 talking points. Meetings between the two countries have been postponed due to high COVID-19 infection rates.
As the rate of infection continues to decline, the two countries have written a letter announcing the possible timing of the meeting. The 21st Standing Committee meeting under the Inland Naval Protocol (PIWT&T) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on transport of Indian Goods using Chattogram and Mongla ports will also be held.