Need for FTA between India, Bangladesh: Veena Sikri
Special Correspondent
Oct. 19, 2005

Underscoring the need for a Free Trade Agreement between India and Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Veena Sikri today said it was important to overcome a "negative" mindset to help boost trade between the two countries.

"It is important to overcome a negative mindset that often colours every discussion, (which) sometimes makes the mindset more important than the reality in any situation," Sikri said in an address to the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) here.

The media, businessmen, chambers of commerce and industries, all sections of society, who attach importance to positive progress in the relationship between Bangladesh and India must attach equal importance in preventing any unfortunate mindset from obstructing a mutually beneficial search for solutions, she was quoted as saying by the media.

The Indian diplomat underscored the need for signing Free Trade Agreement (FTA), developing physical infrastructure, relaxing visa procedure and proper implementation of trade agreements.

Proposing the formation of a forum where interested entrepreneurs from both sides could discuss common issues of concern and recommend mutually agreed solutions, she said "perhaps, we need to set up a Bangladesh-India Business Forum dedicated to our bilateral trade, economic and investment issues."

Saddam remains defiant as trial begins in Baghdad
Special Correspondent
Saddam Hussein tried to make a mockery...
READ MORE>>

Need for FTA between India, Bangladesh: Veena Sikri
Special Correspondent
Underscoring the need for a Free Trade Agreement...
READ MORE>>

India's IAEA vote helped gain support for nuclear deal, says US official
Special Correspondent
US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns has said that with India voting in favour of the IAEA...
READ MORE>>

US confident about Congress support for nuclear deal with India
Special Correspondent
...India had protected its nuclear technology for 30 years and had not proliferated.
READ MORE>>

Rumsfeld worried by China military expansion
Special Correspondent
The official Chinese defence budget has posted double-digit growth in recent years, rising to $30bn this year.
READ MORE>>

India calls for global action against child poverty
Media Release
there should be commensurate attention and support to children's developmental needs, adequate nutritious food, basic health needs and access to education....
READ MORE>>

MORE ARTICLES >>