DHAKA: As river routes have become an important factor for enhancing regional trade, the government plans to sign several agreements with neighboring countries on vessel movement.
Foreign ministry sources said that giving importance to regional and sub-regional transit-transshipment, the government will sign bilateral and multilateral shipping contracts with neighboring countries.
A reliable source in shipping ministry revealed that the government has just renewed the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade with India for the next two years.
The deal will enhance the opportunities of bilateral trade and transit-transshipment facilities.
Besides, Bangladesh has mooted an agreement or protocol for transshipment of Indian cargo by using conventional coastal vessels.
On the other hand, talks with Sri Lanka are underway for movement of coastal vessels, the sources said.
An agreement will be signed also with Myanmar so that its vessels can ply in Bangladeshi rivers.
Foreign ministry secretary (Maritime unit), Rear Admiral Khurshid Alam, told banglanews, “After singing agreements with neighboring countries, the cost of goods-transshipment will be reduced. Under the deals, small vessels will use our internal waterways”.
International relations expert and professor of Dhaka University, Dr Amena Mahsin, welcomed the initiative, saying: "Keeping pace with the world, the present government is planning to use regional naval routes to boost trade and commerce and cement ties with neighbours."
Following the agreements, communications with the neighboring countries will increase. Trade will expand through waterways. Exchange of modern technology would be easy with their neighbors to explore the sea surface resources.
Pressure on roads will diminish cutting road maintenance costs. But a lot will depend on how riverine agreements are executed, Mashin added.
Ministry sources said coastal shipping agreements between Bangladesh and India will provide transshipment facilities to India through Chittagong and Mongla seaports.
Citing security issues, India is demanding sea vessels transshipment as their river ports are internationally recognized. Negotiations with India are underway to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
River transshipment experts said that the vessels` specifications should be laid down while signing agreements.
BDST: 1450 HRS, FEB 05, 2014
