Bangladesh opens new land port in eastern frontier with India.

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Friday opened a land port with upgraded status in its eastern Akhaura frontier with Tripura for enhanced trade connectivity with India.

Shipping minister Shahjahan Khan inaugurated the upgraded Akhaura Landport saying it will pave the way for increased exports of Bangladeshi products to seven north-eastern states in India.

"This port will play a role in cutting our trade deficit with India, even if it is to only some extent, and the government will do everything that is needed to develop the export-oriented port," Khan said.

Shipping ministry officials said at least 10 trucks will carry goods within 250 yards from the zero point of the border connecting Akhaura land port with Agartala, in Tripura.

Bangladesh has 14 such land ports with India with the western Benapole being the biggest one.

The officials said Bangladesh exported around 442,955 tonnes of products and imported just 557 tonnes through the Akhaura Port in last fiscal.

The exports through the port includes fish, cement, battery, furniture, glass, plastic items, soybean oil and tiles.

Imports include bamboo, turmeric, watches, ginger, marble slabs, fish, leather, textiles, machinery and fruits.

Foreign minister Dipu Moni earlier said the proposed connectivity will link the two countries at different points, including the Akhaura-Agartala routes as proposed by India.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com