Dhaka: Indian High Commissioner here Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday said horticulture and food processing are an area in which there is a great scope for cross-border cooperation between Bangladesh and India.

“Bangladesh companies can also access the northeastern markets by exporting finished products and exploring opportunities for investment there,” he said adding that the products of Pran Group from Bangladesh, which has also invested in Tripura, are already doing very well in Indian northeastern states.

The High Commissioner was addressing an event titled ‘North East India-Bangladesh EXIM Conclave’ at Hotel Dhaka Regency.

Dr Abdur Razzak, MP attended the function as the chief guest organised by North East Foundation, India in association with Bangladesh Organic Products Manufacturers’ Association, Allied Food Industries, Dhaka and Sindhiya Enterprise, Dhaka.

Shringla said their northeastern states have immense potentials to supply horticultural products such as banana, pineapple, orange, litchi, apple, passion fruit, cashew nut, ginger, tea, flowers etc. both for direct consumption and for being used as inputs for the food processing industry in Bangladesh.

The conclave intended to explore opportunities for cooperation between North East India and Bangladesh in the horticulture sector and also showcase the tourism potential of the northeastern states of India.

Dr Razzak spoke of creating marketing opportunities for farmers and producers of agricultural and horticultural products in the two countries, and added that fruits and vegetables could be traded during the lean periods in the country.

He also recalled his time in Meghalaya where he was trained during the Liberation War and particularly remembered the canned pineapple that he used to enjoy during his stay in Meghalaya.

Underlining that Bangladesh and neighbouring India states have been part of a sub-regional economy for centuries, the envoy spoke about the initiatives being taken by the two countries to re-energise this sub-regional economy by way of improving sub-regional connectivity, opening our borders to trade and improving trade infrastructure.

He also talked about the potential for horticultural products and tourism in the northeast, and hoped that the conclave would generate new opportunities for businesses in both the countries. 

After the inauguration, government officials from the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram presented a glimpse of different horticultural products and of tourism potential in their States.

The event also saw presentations on offerings from these States and also on specific requirements of the Bangladesh industry and trading community.

Nearly 60 traders and companies from Bangladesh including Pran Group, Allied Food Extracts, and Sindhiya Enterprises participated in the conclave.