India-Bangladesh trade can almost double to 10 billon dollars by 2018 if irritants like non-tariff barriers and infrastructure related-issues are addressed.This was stated by CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee.His statement comes in the backdrop of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's 3 day visit to Bangladesh beginning on Wednesday. He said, the visit could turn a new leaf in bilateral relations between the two countries.It can also boost economic cooperation and further intensify trade and investment between India and Bangladesh.Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh stood at 6.6 billion Dollars last year with India's exports at 6.1 billion and imports from Bangladesh at 462 million.This reflected more than double the value of 2.7 billion dollars five years ago.But, CII said, the trade imbalance in favour of India and decline in Bangladesh exports to India are a cause of concern.This can be addressed with greater investment by Indian companies in Bangladesh.
News On AIR | June 24, 2014 10:08 PM