Tripura also imports large quantities of stone chips and cement from Bangladesh.

According to Ahmad, Bangladesh's export basket will now include bricks, plastic goods, readymade garments, agro-products and frozen foods, apart from stone chips and cement.

'We targeting exports worth $1 billion mark to northeast India by 2011 to close the trade gap,' he added.

A 'Bangladesh Market' will also in Tripura with the state government agreeing to hand over either land or a building. Products from both Bangladesh and the northeastern region would be available at the market.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has identified seven check posts along the border in West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura for setting up Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

'Under the ICP scheme, infrastructure and communication facilities will be developed at these check posts to boost trade between the two countries,' a central government official said.