Businesses in India, Bangladesh to form B2B task forces

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have agreed to form business-to-business task forces to address trade and investment barriers and expand bilateral cooperation.

At a briefing after a meeting between the FBCCI and CII at the FBCCI office in Dhaka today, business leaders said the proposed task forces would focus on infrastructure investment and emerging technologies.

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At present, Bangladeshi exporters face non-tariff barriers in India, including testing and certification requirements, customs procedures, port restrictions, licensing rules and high logistics costs.

India’s restrictions in 2025 also limited the entry of ready-made garments, processed food, plastics, furniture and other goods through specified land ports.

FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque said Bangladesh could learn from India’s experience in attracting private and foreign investment in infrastructure, while seeking investment beyond the energy sector amid gas and electricity challenges.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said Indian companies want to expand investments in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare and emerging sectors.

The technology task force may explore semiconductors, hydrogen, green energy, battery storage, high-speed rail, data centres, artificial intelligence and solar manufacturing.

Both sides plan regular business engagement and sector-specific delegations, hoping stronger commercial ties will create a more positive atmosphere for broader Bangladesh-India relations.