New Delhi, Nov 18 (KNN) With a view to enhancing trade and commerce between the two countries, India and Bangladesh on Monday signed a draft MoU on passenger and cruise services on coastal and protocol route.

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Rajive Kumar and the Bangladesh delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Shafique Alam Mehdi.

At the outset of the meeting Kumar appreciated the good pace of the work executed so far and expressed hope that the MoUs and signed agreement will result in enhanced movement of vessels and cargo between India and Bangladesh smoothly.

Mehdi while appreciating the efforts of India for development of inland water transport and coastal shipping movements mentioned that this would ensure improved connectivity and promote trade and commerce between the two countries.

The decisions taken in the meeting of the secretary level delegation of India and Bangladesh included MoU on passenger and cruise vessel movement; payment of transit fee; payment of bank guarantee and dredging on rivers on protocol routes with World Bank assistance. (KNN Bureau)