Assam looks to Bangladesh as petrochemical exports jump

Dibrugarh, June 6: Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati, Jishul Hasan Farhad, visited the Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited plant in Namrup on June 5 to explore avenues to strengthen trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and Assam.

This visit takes place against the backdrop of heightened commercial activity between Northeast India and Bangladesh. The rise is attributed to better connectivity, increasing access to markets, and a growing level of industrial collaboration.

Farhad’s itinerary began with planting a sapling within the APL campus to commemorate World Environment Day, followed by an inspection of the company’s production units and discussions with senior officials. He was kept informed about APL’s production capacity, development projects, and expanding export operations in Bangladesh.

During a meeting with the company’s officials, ways of enhancing bilateral trade and boosting petrochemical exports were discussed. Further discussion on streamlining transportation and logistics networks for easier movement of goods between both nations was conducted.

Farhad stated that Assam’s petrochemical exports to Bangladesh have grown considerably. He mentioned that the quantity of goods exported from APL and other regional businesses was approximately 300 metric tonnes in 2023, but this significantly increased to nearly 6,000 metric tonnes between 2024-25. This shows a substantial boost in demand and trade engagement.

“This growth indicates the potential for greater economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Assam. We are confident that our trade relations will expand even further in the years to come,” he added.

According to industry observers, this development indicates a major shift in the economic relationship between Bangladesh and India’s Northeast region. As Bangladesh continues to be a significant trading partner for India in South Asia, various industries including petrochemicals, cement, tea, food processing and energy are becoming significant collaboration platforms.

The expanding market in Bangladesh presents an opportunity for Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) – the region’s oldest manufacturer of petrochemical products – to increase its export profile and position Assam as a crucial industrial gateway for trade with neighbouring nations.

The visit also reiterates the larger policy from New Delhi aimed at increasing regional trade by utilising the Northeast’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh, and integrating the region more tightly into South Asia’s supply chains.

With connectivity projects, border infrastructure and trade corridors constantly developing, government officials from both the countries are convinced that the economic partnership between Assam and Bangladesh is set to experience continued expansion.

Also Read: Meghalaya leads the border race

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Youth-led drive targets vaccine hesitancy in South West Khasi Hills