India, B'desh to extend Protocol on IW Transit and Trade

India and Bangladesh have agreed on the extension of Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with the provision of automatic renewal in line with the proposed amendment to Bangladesh-India trade agreement.
The Indian government today said the decision was taken during the Secretary-level talks between the two countries.
"It was also agreed between the two countries that a draft agreement for the regular movement of passenger and cruise vessels would be shared by India with Bangladesh through the diplomatic channel," said an official statement by the Ministry of Shipping.
Both the sides were confident that deliberations would go a long way in the development of inland water transport and coastal shipping for enhancing connectivity and trade and commerce between the two countries, it said.

With regard to development of the entire protocol route under the regional IDA (International Development Association) assistance of World Bank, while welcoming the proposal Bangladesh agreed to revert after obtaining approval from the concerned authority on its side.
The issue relating to inclusion of the Pangaon container terminal (ICT) in Bangladesh as a Port of Call was discussed and Bangladesh side informed that Pangaon (ICT) with two other ICTs in Bangladesh may be used as a Port of Call by cargo vessel operators, the statement said.

It added that the Bangladesh side requested that Farraka and Bandel on National Waterway (NW) - 1 may be declared as Port of Call.

"The Indian side, while agreeing on the reciprocity, mentioned that on Farraka it would revert after internal consultations," the statement said.
Port of Call is any port except its home port being visited by a ship, especially to load or unload cargo or passengers.
A draft agreement on coastal shipping was also initiated by both the countries.
It was also agreed to finalise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in about two months time.
On cooperation on Light House and marine training, India offered to extend training to the personnel in Bangladesh.
The Indian delegation was led by Shipping Secretary Rajive Kumar while the Bangladesh delegation was led by Shafiq Alam Mehdi, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping.

It was also agreed between the two countries that a draft agreement for the regular movement of passenger and cruise vessels would be shared by India with Bangladesh through the diplomatic channel.