Govt’s move to restrict select Bangladesh exports aimed at ‘parity’

India’s decision to curb Bangladeshi exports of ready-made garments and several other consumer goods through land ports is aimed at ensuring fairness and equality in bilateral trade, government sources said on Sunday.

India’s trade relationship with Bangladesh will be based on “reciprocal terms” and the decision on restricting exports of ready-made garments from the neighbouring country is in response to Dhaka imposing similar trade barriers on Indian yarn and rice, they said. India on Saturday decided to allow entry of garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports.

Land port restrictions imposed by India on select exports from Bangladesh to North-East are expected to restore equality in the relationship, sources said. While India had hitherto allowed all exports from Bangladesh without restrictions, the transit and market access to NE had been restricted by Bangladesh, they said.