BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

POTENTIAL OF NEW BUSINESS CORRIDORS BETWEEN BANGLADESH AND INDIA’S NORTHEAST: BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE

Author: Mahfuz Kabir, Rubiat Afrose Raka

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2019v40n2

ABSTRACT

The convergence of interests and shared sense of connectivity between Bangladesh and India have opened up potential of new business corridors between the former and the latter’s Northeast. But three states in that region, viz. Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland are not engaging with Bangladesh like Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya; which needs to be addressed to unlock the potentials since both Bangladesh and Northeast India have been given importance in India’s ‘Act East Policy’. Enhancement of trade, investment, connectivity, energy, cultural exchanges, etc. are possible with seamless transport and communication network. The paper suggests that India’s Northeast serves as an easy source of raw materials and intermediate products for different industries in Bangladesh. Advanced infrastructural development with inland water connectivity, rail and road transportation will boost bilateral trade relations and open up more business opportunities with relatively less connected states of India’s Northeast.