This is an archive article published on July 15, 2016

Intra-regional trade, energy, water cooperation on agenda

Through its motor vehicles agreement, the countries have set in motion steps to make it possible for both passenger and freight vehicles to cross easily from one country into another.

3 min readKolkataJul 15, 2016 01:13 AM IST First published on: Jul 15, 2016 at 12:59 AM IST

THE SENIOR advisor on economic affairs to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said West Bengal, which is a “gateway” to North-East India could play a major role in “maximisation of intra-regional trade” between the two countries along with Nepal and Bhutan.

Speaking at the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Business Forum in Kolkata, Dr Mashiur Rahman said: “It is important for member countries to understand the ground realities… it is time to change their mindset towards economic cooperation… For infrastructure development, private sector participation will be indispensable.”

BBIN is a sub-regional initiative taken up by the four countries last year. Through its motor vehicles agreement, the countries have set in motion steps to make it possible for both passenger and freight vehicles to cross easily from one country into another. The member states formulate, implement and review agreements across areas such as water resources management, connectivity of power, transport and infrastructure. The first BBIN summit was held in Bangladesh.