Dhaka, July 15: India and Bangladesh today agreed to initiate discussions on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) later this year in a bid to tap the "vast trade and investment opportunities" that sub-regional co-operation offers to the two countries. "It is gratifying to note that Bangladesh side has agreed to initiate discussions on FTA in September/October this year," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, who chaired the sixth meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), between the two countries said here today. Speaking at a luncheon in his honour at the metropolitan chamber of commerce and industry (MCCI), Sinha said the discussions began on a "positive note" and the entire gamut of bilateral relations, especially the important economic and commercial issues, were deliberated.
"Our discussion have been very fruitful and we hope we will be able to take necessary steps soon to strengthen our multi-faceted co-operation," the minister said. Bureau Report