In the wake of political unrest, Bangladesh is exploring alternatives to importing potatoes and onions from India, aiming to diversify its sources. Currently, Bangladesh relies predominantly on India for its potato imports and sources onions mainly from India and Myanmar, with additional supplies from Pakistan, China, and Turkey. India, holding a significant trade surplus with Bangladesh, has seen its exports to the country escalate from US$3.2 billion in 2010-11 to US$16.2 billion in 2021-22. Nevertheless, recent political changes and specific incidents have led to a decline in trade activities, particularly affecting the Integrated Check Post Fulbari Indo-Bangladesh border.
The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has identified potential new sources for these imports, engaging in discussions with the commerce ministry and importers. According to reports from Prothom Alo, the strategy involves substituting Indian potatoes with those from Germany, Egypt, China, and Spain, while onions could be sourced from China, Pakistan, and Turkey. The BTTC and the commerce ministry highlight the necessity of this shift due to escalating prices and restrictive export policies by India, alongside an alleged significant price increase in the Indian market. This move is seen as an effort to stabilize prices and supply within Bangladesh. The visit of India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka also underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
Source: The Week