India and Bangladesh have launched a joint working group (JWG) to identify obstacles and opportunities in bilateral trade and hoped it would enhance business and investment activities between the two neighbours.

Launching the JWG, formed by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh's Commerce Minister Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury said business activities between the two countries would increase after the JWG, a media report said on Thursday.
 
India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri, who was also present on the occasion, said the exchange of views in the JWG would create "positive attitudes" and enhance bilateral economic activities.

She told Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to "vigorously market their products in India", according to a report in the New Age daily.

The JWG tasks include easing customs clearance, visa procedures, settling trade disputes and recognition to quality standards, among others.

Meanwhile, at a separate function held on Wednesday to inaugurate a special bus service of the Indian-made CNG buses in Dhaka, Sikri urged Bangladesh to allow transit of Indian goods to its northeastern states.

"Bangladeshi trucks can transport Indian goods from Benapole to Agartala under a bilateral transport agreement, an alternative option to road transit," Sikri said, according to a report in The Bangladesh Observer.

She also urged for regular dialogue on all trade issues as underlined by the JWG launched earlier.

Northeastern Indian states are prospective markets for Bangladeshi products, she said, adding India is prepared to work with Bangladesh to that end, The Daily Star reported. 

The Communication Minister of Bangladesh, Barrister Nazmul Huda, who was present at the function asked the Indian high commissioner to look into the matter of "India dumping substandard goods into Bangladesh".

He claimed, "Many substandard vehicles had entered Bangladesh from India."