Tweet
In what looks like a part of track-II diplomacy to win over Mamata Banerjee, the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry has decided to invite the Bengal Chief Minister to that country where a trade fair is going to be held in May.
Banerjee, an important partner in the UPA-II, had earlier blocked the signing of the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty on grounds that it would starve North Bengal during lean seasons causing some coldness between the two neighbours.
Apart from this, Banerjee's recent raising of voice against the Centre for leaving unrepaired two sluice gates in Farakka Barrage causing 80,000 cusecs of water to flow into Bangladesh has caused a lot of flutter in Delhi. Additional water flowing into Padma in Bangladesh which is entitled to 35,000 cusec has affected water levels in the Bhagirathi River.
In what is being viewed as a diplomatic step, a top official of the trade body said the Chamber wanted to invite the Chief Minister to Dhaka where things would confine only to "business and nothing else as the investment environment between the two countries is on the upswing recently."
He said the increased trade and commerce could improve conditions on both sides of the border.
The invitation comes close on the heels of Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai seeing Banerjee at the Writers' Buildings whence he claimed that the courtesy talks between them were satisfactory and useful.
Banerjee, an important partner in the UPA-II, had earlier blocked the signing of the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty on grounds that it would starve North Bengal during lean seasons causing some coldness between the two neighbours.
Apart from this, Banerjee's recent raising of voice against the Centre for leaving unrepaired two sluice gates in Farakka Barrage causing 80,000 cusecs of water to flow into Bangladesh has caused a lot of flutter in Delhi. Additional water flowing into Padma in Bangladesh which is entitled to 35,000 cusec has affected water levels in the Bhagirathi River.
In what is being viewed as a diplomatic step, a top official of the trade body said the Chamber wanted to invite the Chief Minister to Dhaka where things would confine only to "business and nothing else as the investment environment between the two countries is on the upswing recently."
He said the increased trade and commerce could improve conditions on both sides of the border.
The invitation comes close on the heels of Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai seeing Banerjee at the Writers' Buildings whence he claimed that the courtesy talks between them were satisfactory and useful.
