BIMSTEC Nations Inspect Agartala ICP to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade

Agartala: A high-level delegation from BIMSTEC nations visited Tripura today to explore ways to enhance regional trade. As part of an ongoing initiative, they inspected the Agartala Integrated Check Post (ICP), a crucial gateway for cross-border commerce between India and Bangladesh.

The visit was part of the Trade Facilitation Capacity Building initiative, organized by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). The delegation comprised 20 officials from all seven BIMSTEC member countries. Officials from the Land Ports Authority of India welcomed them before they toured the ICP complex.

During the visit, the representatives examined trade and cargo movement facilities, including the zero line, cargo transport arrangements, and passenger amenities. They also assessed the efficiency of customs clearance and logistics at the check post.

Following the inspection, ICRIER Assistant Researcher Nirlepta Rath told reporters, “Agartala land port is a major connectivity point. India can serve as a key transit hub, where road connectivity between Nepal and Bangladesh can be developed through India, strengthening links with Southeast Asian countries.”

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He further stated, “India is leading in trade facilitation through initiatives such as the single-window system, electronic data interface, e-commerce, and green trade practices.”

The Trade Facilitation Capacity Building initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the fifth BIMSTEC summit in March 2022. The visit aims to strengthen trade-related reforms, modernize infrastructure, and improve regulatory oversight among BIMSTEC countries. It also seeks to enhance knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in trade facilitation.

The initiative, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, is being implemented by ICRIER in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).