Kolkata, Feb 17: The Bengal Business Council (BBC), to strengthen cross-border trade, enable direct industry linkages, and foster long-term economic collaboration for its member companies, led a delegation and joined the bilateral trade meeting hosted by the Consulate-General of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to explore structured business opportunities between India and Myanmar.

The meeting witnessed active participation from business leaders across key sectors including steel, construction, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery and import–export logistics. Myanmar-based companies shared insights into current trade dynamics, export capabilities, and infrastructure support facilitating cross-border commerce.

“The Bengal Business Council will facilitate the formation and visit of a focused business delegation to Myanmar to enable direct engagement between member companies and key stakeholders. This initiative is aimed at unlocking market access, strengthening trade linkages and supporting the business growth of BBC members from Bengal and across India. With Myanmar being open to foreign investment, we look forward to translating these engagements into tangible commercial outcomes.” said Mr Avishek Auddy, Chairman, Bengal Business Council, & Director, Chandras’ Chemical Industries (1973) Pvt. Ltd.

A key highlight of the interaction was the participation of Royal Thant Family Ltd., a Myanmar-based company operating its own cargo shipping fleet. The company outlined its logistics strength, including the ability to move 200–600 containers directly to Kolkata Port, significantly enhancing the ease and efficiency of bilateral trade.

“We welcome the Bengal Business Council’s proposal to lead a business delegation to Myanmar, including its plan to explore the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility for local production. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Indian enterprises to strengthen bi-lateral collaboration and expand market presence. There is strong interest across sectors such as gems and jewellery, construction, pharmaceuticals and fisheries, including gemstone sourcing and local manufacturing opportunities. The Government of Myanmar remains open and supportive of foreign investment, and we look forward to advancing these discussions,’’ said Mr Aung Aung Myo Thein, Consul General of Myanmar. 

The interaction provided a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange perspectives on market requirements, logistics, and regulatory considerations, enabling clearer pathways for direct business linkages and future collaborations. Emphasis was placed on improving supply chain efficiency and facilitating smoother cross-border trade.

“The meeting concluded on a positive note, with strong mutual interest in converting discussions into actionable partnerships in the near future. A delegation from the Bengal Business Council will visit Myanmar with a formal proposal to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade engagement across varied sectors,” said Mr Biplab Ghosh, Member, Bengal Business Council.

Sector-specific collaboration opportunities were highlighted by Mr. Debarshi Duttagupta, Vice President Bengal Business Council & Managing Director, East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd on the pharma sector, Mr Avishek Auddy, Chairman, Bengal Business Council & Director, Chandras’ Chemical Industries (1973) Pvt Ltd on technology transfer & joint venture prospects, Ms Chandroma Saha, Owner & CEO, Saha Steel Group on steel & construction and Mr Biplab Ghosh, Managing Director, Orient Gem & Jewellery Pvt Ltd on gem imports.

The meeting centred on identifying priority trade sectors and establishing structured supply arrangements between businesses from both countries. Discussions underscored Myanmar’s export potential to the Indian market, particularly in pulses and beans across market-driven varieties, yellow maize for feed and industrial applications, betel nuts in raw, processed and flavoured forms, fish and seafood including Hilsa and other high-demand species, and gems and jewellery comprising precious and semi-precious stones as well as finished products.

The meeting concluded with mutual agreement to strengthen bilateral trade engagement and work towards converting discussions into tangible business partnerships, reinforcing the growing economic relationship between India and Myanmar.