India assures Bangladesh to try not to end DFQF access beyond 2026

08 Mar '22

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

India recently assured Bangladesh of considering a mechanism for continuation of duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) access of goods to its market even after Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country (LDC) status in 2026. It also urged Dhaka to quickly complete a joint study on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and conclude the deal.

The joint study on CEPA is under way. If possible, CEPA might be an option to accommodate DFQF for Bangladesh products.

These issues were discussed at the Bangladesh-India commerce secretary-level meeting held in New Delhi recently, according to Indian media reports.

Bangladesh urged India at the meeting to continue the DFQF facility for its goods in the post-LDC era.

"They want to include it in any legal mechanism. They think it can be better accommodated in CEPA."

He noted that Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) had meetings with the Indian side on draft CEPA study between February 23 and February 25.

Dhaka raised the issue of removing anti-dumping duty on Bangladesh jute products, hydrogen peroxide and fishing nets. The Bangladesh side felt the tenure of anti-dumping duty should not be extended through the ongoing sunset review.

Dhaka also raised the issue of Indian customs regulations that create a big barrier for exports from Bangladesh to enter the Indian market.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)

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