BBIN Quad must step up economic integration–think tank

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The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIB) block is one of the least integrated sub-regions in the world with an intra-regional trade standing at a mere 4 per cent. The potential is significantly higher than this.</p>
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“The BBIN sub-region should develop a cooperative approach for multi-modal connectivity, learning from successful sub-regional connectivity models of the world”, Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, said at a webinar organised by the think tank.</p>
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Amid rapidly changing geopolitical contours, it is critical for the four countries to look at ways to implement the Motor Vehicles Agreement under the BBIN framework.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/opinion-news/a-blue-mmlp-quadrilateral-in-the-bbin-sub-region-110353.html">A blue MMLP Quadrilateral in the BBIN sub-region</a></strong></p>
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Chatterjee added that initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, which includes multi-modal modes will be very crucial in pushing the competitiveness of the sub-region in terms of logistics performance. These initiatives should be looked at along with the larger picture of the sub-region and initiatives such as the BIMSTEC master plan on transport connectivity.</p>
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Gopal Krishna, former Shipping Secretary, also present at the webinar said that Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Inland Waterways Authority of India need to work together to facilitate a well-connected inland water transport system in the BBIN sub-region. Along with serving the commercial interests of Bangladesh and India, it will also help the landlocked partners Bhutan and Nepal to do trade within and outside the sub-region at a much lower cost.</p>
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Nepal and Bhutan, the two landlocked countries in the region, are dependent on India and Bangladesh for port access.</p>
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At present the non-recognition of transit rights is also leading to problems and delays at the border.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/opinion-news/have-india-and-nepal-quietly-started-rechartering-their-bilateral-ties-111436.html">Have India and Nepal quietly started rechartering their bilateral ties?</a></strong></p>
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Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh have already resumed the trans-border rail connectivity between Haldibari in West Bengal – located just 75 km away from the Chicken’s Neck and Chilahati located across the border in Nilphamari district after almost 55 years.  </p>