DHAKA: On the first day of his bilateral visit to India, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque met with Indian Commerce & Industries Secretary, Shipping Secretary and Water Resources Secretary on Wednesday.

During the meeting with Indian Commerce & Industries Secretary, both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral trade between the two countries.

A press release was issued by the foreign ministry in this connection.

It said: “Bangladesh Foreign Secretary raised the issue of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers.

Indian Commerce Secretary suggested identifying the tariff lines where such problems are encountered and then find out ways of addressing them.

Both sides stressed on devising a sectoral mechanism in this regard.

Foreign Secretary also mentioned about the issue of acceptance of BSTI certificates by India. It was opined that there should be focused bilateral discussion on this matter. Foreign Secretary also put emphasis on greater people-to-people contact for enhancing economic integration and regional cooperation.

In the meeting with Indian Shipping Secretary, both sides discussed to expedite focused bilateral dialogue for coastal shipping connectivity between the two countries.

A delegation from India is expected to visit Bangladesh soon for this purpose. Some steps for making the Bangladesh-India Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) more operational for enhancement of bilateral trade were also discussed.

During the meeting with Indian Water Resources Secretary, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary expressed concern about the drastic fall of flow of water of Teesta River to Bangladesh. He indicated that common rivers should bind the two countries together.

The Foreign Secretary will have bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart on Thursday. He will also call on Indian External Affairs Minister, Indian National Security Adviser and meet Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary.”

BDST: 2205 HRS, MAR 19, 2014