DHAKA, Feb 20: Bangladesh’s trade deficit with Saarc countries amounted at $1,019 million in the last fiscal year (2001-02).

Bangladesh imported products of $1,102 million from rest of Saarc countries during 2001-02 while the exports to the countries from Bangladesh over the same period was recorded at $83 million, the Commerce Minister recently told the Parliament.

Exports of frozen food, chemical fertilizers, jute products, Jamdani sari and Hilsha fish has reduced drastically.

At the same time, exports of readymade garments, automobile battery and pharmaceuticals products had started under the SAPTA (South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement) agreement.

In the fiscal year 1995-96, the time when the SAPTA came into being, Bangladesh was able to increase its exports to Saarc countries, recording $127 million. Exports to Saarc countries had reduced gradually since then, the sources in the Commerce Ministry said.