The steps are taken in light with the joint communiqué, declared in New Delhi in January by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Premier Dr Manmohan Singh, said a shipping ministry official.
"A draft MoU has been prepared, and we are analysing it," he said. "The purpose of signing the agreement is to enhance the existing friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries."
The agreement will spell out how much Bangladesh will get and what services it will offer to India, he said. "If there is any dispute, then mechanism will be devised to solve the problems."
The Indians will use the existing facilities of the ports following the rules and regulations including their tariff. Both the governments will take all possible efforts to extend mutual assistance and cooperation, the official said.
A feasibility study will be conducted to assess the Indian trade volume using the ports and related land-ports in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has also expressed its intention to allow Bhutan and Nepal to use the ports, so that they emerge as trade hubs of the region.
"A rail-line in Khulna is likely to be built to facilitate the movement of the foreign cargoes, and it is expected that India will provide $120 million credit line in this regard," he said.
The joint communiqué said, "It was agreed that Bangladesh will allow use of Chittagong and Mongla seaports for movement of goods to and from India through road and rail. Bangladesh also conveyed its intention to give Nepal and Bhutan access to Chittagong and Mongla ports."
The land-locked north-eastern part of India will be immensely benefited, if they are allowed to use the Bangladeshi ports, as the 'Seven Sisters' states have to cross long distance to reach Haldia Port in Kolkata.
-FE, Mon 01/11/2010
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