Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- To promote bilateral trade and connectivity between India and Bangladesh, a 'car pass system' was inaugurated at Petrapole on Saturday.
Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the system by handing over the first car pass to an Indian truck for movement of cargo vehicle from Petrapole-Benapole Land Customs Station on the day, according to an Indian High Commission press statement.
Bangladesh Finance Minister AMA Muhith, West Bengal Minister for Food and Supplies Jyotipriya Mallick, Economic Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Dr Mashiur Rahman, local lawmakers and concerned high officials were present.
“The simplified documentation for movement of trucks will allow movement to the Land Customs Station of each other’s countries,” the press statement said, adding that this will significantly enhance bilateral trade by bringing down costs and improving connectivity between the two sides from Benapole-Petrapole Land Customs Station, the most important link in land border cargo between the two countries.
Upgradation of Land Customs Station to Integrated Check Posts marks significant step in trade facilitation which was agreed at the highest level, it added.
BBN/SSR/AD-22Jan12-12:25 am (BST)