Dhaka, Delhi sign 2 trade deals

Bangladesh and India today signed two agreements on bilateral trade and investment promotion and protection.

Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Commerce Minister Col (retd) Faruk Khan singed the deals on behalf of their respective countries in Dhaka.

Speaking at a joint press conference at a city hotel, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said modalities for the South Asian Regional Taskforce against terrorism would be fixed after discussing with other regional countries.

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held between Bangladesh and India to discuss the bilateral issues in the capital.

Earlier at about 10:35am, Dipu Moni received Pranab Mukherjee at the VVIP tarmac as he landed at the Zia International Airport by a special aircraft.

On his arrival at the airport, Pranab Mukherjee told journalists, "Today, I hope to cover in all my interactions our relations including security, connectivity, trade and investment, and other important areas. We will also sign the agreements relating to bilateral trade and investment promotion to further strengthen the framework for investors of both countries," he told journalists on his arrival at the Zia International Airport this morning.

"My programme also includes unveiling of a model of 2800 cyclone-resistant dwelling units that the Indian government will build in the cyclone affected villages and laying the foundation stone for construction of Kalabhaban in the University of Dhaka," he said.

"I am delighted to be back in Dhaka. Allow me at the outset to convey the warm greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in Bangladesh. It is indeed a victory of democracy. India warmly welcomes this development," said the Indian minister.

He said: "I also take this opportunity on behalf of the government and people of India to convey our good wishes to the newly formed government in Bangladesh wish them all success. As a friendly neighbour, India looks forward to working closely with the newly elected government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to further strengthen the ties between both countries."

With Bangladesh, India shares not only an enduring feeling of fraternal, linguistic and cultural ties but also a common history of struggle and liberation. It is, therefore, natural that people of our countries have aspirations to enhance people to people contact and promote closer interaction in all spheres, he said.