Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh is going to export 400 million bricks to northeastern Indian beginning Aug. 20 with the goal of minimizing the trade gap between the two countries.

“We are going to supply 400 million pieces of brick worth $29 million (BDT 2.00 billion) to northeastern Indian state Tripura from Aug. 20,” President of the Bangladesh-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BICCI) Abdul Matlub Ahmad reportedly said.

The export will be carried out under an arrangement between the BICCI and the Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, according to business leaders.

“We expect that out exports to the northeastern Indian states to increase to $1.0 billion by 2011,” Mr Ahmed said, adding that Bangladesh is now exporting large quantities of stone chips, cement, plastic goods, readymade garments, agro-products and frozen food to Tripura.

The trade position, however, is still in favor of India and the trade gap between the two countries stood at $3.016 billion in fiscal 2007-08 (FY08).

In FY08, Bangladesh exports to India stood at $358.08 million against import figures of $3.375 billion, leaving a gap of $3.016 billion, according to the statistics, according to statistics.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-14August09-1:42 am (BST)