Kolkata: Bangladesh is optimistic about a Teesta water-sharing treaty with India taking shape despite opposition from West Bengal, the country`s Commerce Minister Golam Mohammad Kader said on Friday.
"The Indian Prime Minister has agreed to the treaty in principle and is trying to resolve the matter. We are not worried and we are hopeful that it will happen," Kader said on the sidelines of the AGM of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce.
Erstwhile UPA ally Trinamool Congress has vehemently opposed the treaty, arguing that it will harm West Bengal`s interests and formed an expert committee to evaluate the issue.
"My state has nothing against Bangladesh, but we have to look into our interests also," West Bengal`s Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee said.
He, however, pointed out that the differences with Bangladesh on the Teesta issue had made no effect on the bilateral relationship and trade.
"While the bilateral trade is worth USD 5 billion, the import from Bangladesh is worth close to USD 500 million," he said.
On the ban on export of Hilsa fish from Bangladesh, Kader said that his country was continuously monitoring the supply level of the fish and once it improved, the ban would be lifted.
PTI
