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Bangladesh and India have discussed the ways and means to expand areas of rupee-based bilateral trade.
Both the countries discussed the issue as Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and Indian envoy in Dhaka Pranay Verma met on Monday.
"This was a courtesy call, but we have discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, especially the initiative of making payments for bilateral trade through local currency, the minister told the media after the meeting.
“The payment system through local currency for bilateral trade started on a pilot basis recently. But now we have discussed how to expand it and how to make it more popular," he said.
"It will help us reduce our dependency on the dollar," the Foreign Minister added.
This was the first call by a foreign envoy to Hasan Mahmud since taking office as foreign minister.
Terming India as the most important and closest neighbour, the Foreign Minister mentioned that Bangladesh wants to work closely with India to promote bilateral relations.
He cited a few areas of engagement, like connectivity, water, coastal shipping, trade and investment. He emphasised the need to start working on the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which will expire in 2026.
He also emphasised the importance of resolving the pending issues amicably.
Responding to a question, he mentioned that BNP is resorting to arson in the name of movements and protests, and no discussions can be held with those who patronise this kind of heinous activity.
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister noted the successful holding of the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on January 7, which was free, fair, and participatory.
He also noted that international election observers and media who visited Dhaka to cover elections expressed their satisfaction over the election process.
The Foreign Minister thanked the Indian government and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaisankar for sending a message of congratulations.
The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Foreign Minister and expressed a desire to work together.
He termed the year 2023 as one of the most successful years, citing a number of notable achievements, like the inauguration of a few projects related to connectivity and power.
He stressed the need to collaborate with each other in areas like climate change, digital payment systems, start-ups, trade facilitation, and more.
The High Commissioner also extended an invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister to visit Delhi at a mutually convenient time. The Foreign Minister accepted the invitation and told him that he would visit Delhi soon.
“We discussed how, over the last decade, our relationship has acquired unprecedented momentum and growth under the leadership of the prime ministers of both countries and how this has become irreversible and people-centric, he told the media after the meeting.
“We also discussed some recent developments that have happened in our relationship. Our development partnership is benefiting the people of our two countries, and our cooperation is making a positive impact on economic growth,” he added.
“So overall, I think we are very hopeful and confident that in the new term of this government, we will be able to achieve greater momentum in our bilateral partnership, and we will be able to make our development partnership contribute even more to our passion,” he said.