Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said that Bangladesh and India have the potential to transform their geographical proximity into new economic opportunities by pursuing a forward-looking, people-centric agenda.
Pranay Verma made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat following a meeting with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
The discussion focused on financial sector cooperation, emerging areas like the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and measures to improve the ease of doing business, with the goal of boosting investment and deepening economic ties between the two countries.
“The main idea is to enhance trade and economic engagement, strengthen connectivity and promote cooperation,” Pranay Verma said.
He emphasised that trade between the two neighbours is already ongoing through multiple channels, and stressed the need to simplify procedures and improve accessibility for businesses on both sides.
The high commissioner highlighted cooperation in taxation reforms and financial inclusion, sharing India’s successful experience in promoting inclusive access to banking and financial services.
He described the discussion as forward-looking and constructive, noting that both nations have large economies and progressive societies with significant potential for collaboration.
Earlier, at an Iftar event, Pranay Verma spoke about the shared prospects for regional prosperity, emphasising that India and Bangladesh, as two forward-moving societies, can work together to create benefits for each other and the wider region.
He reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh, and highlighted the strong representation from across Bangladeshi society at the event as a symbol of the countries’ commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation.
