At Hili Border, Bangladeshi and Indian Traders Seek to Deepen Cross-Border Commerce

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Hili

Bangladeshi and Indian business leaders gathered at the Hili border on Sunday for a bilateral exchange aimed at strengthening trade ties, addressing obstacles to import and export operations and expanding cooperation between businesses on both sides of the border.The meeting was held at the Hili Immigration Checkpost area and was organized by the Hili Customs C&F Agents Association.

The chief guest was Manoj Kumar, the Indian assistant high commissioner posted in Rajshahi. Among the special guests were Md. Ferdous Rahman, president of the Hili Customs C&F Agents Association; Md. Shahinur Islam Mondal, its general secretary; George Mitra Chakma, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Hakimpur; and Zakir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Hakimpur Police Station.

Representatives of business organizations from Bangladesh and India, importers and exporters, customs clearing and forwarding agents and other stakeholders also attended the meeting.Speakers said the longstanding friendly relationship between Bangladesh and India provided scope for expanding commercial ties and increasing cross-border trade. They noted that businesses operating through the Hili land port play an important role in the economies of both countries.

Participants called for identifying and resolving existing problems affecting import and export activities at the land port. They also emphasized the need for more regular communication between traders and government authorities to make cross-border commerce more efficient.Mr. Kumar said commercial relations between Bangladesh and India were growing stronger and that closer contact and cooperation among business communities could unlock further potential in border trade.

“Any reasonable problems faced by traders in the two countries should be addressed through dialogue,” he said, emphasizing cooperation as a means of resolving difficulties.The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain closer cooperation between Bangladeshi and Indian business communities and to work toward expanding trade through the Hili land port.