Diplomatic Correspondent
In
a move to enhance bilateral trade and commerce, Bangladesh and Bhutan
yesterday signed two deals, including one on trade that will allow Dhaka
and Thimphu to enjoy duty-free export of 90 items to each other.
Under another agreement, Dhaka will allocate a piece of land at the city's Baridhara to Bhutan for the construction of its permanent embassy.
The two countries yesterday renewed the bilateral trade agreement. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Bhutan's Economic Affairs Minister Norbu Wangchuk signed the trade agreement for their respective countries, while Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Bhutanese counterpart Rinzin Dorje inked the deal on the land allocation.
The deals were signed following the official talks led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The two prime ministers witnessed the signing of the agreement at the PMO.
Talking to reporters at the PMO, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Bhutan had earlier enjoyed duty-free export of 74 items from their country.
With the signing of the trade agreement, the two countries will now enjoy duty-free export of 90 items from each country, he said, adding that Bangladesh and Bhutan are moving forward to allow duty-free to all items from both countries.
Tofail Ahmed said the two countries would also sign a preferential trade agreement.
Bangladesh would allow duty-free import of boulder that would be used for the construction of the Padma Bridge, he mentioned.
Fresh fruits and minerals are among the goods Bhutan exports to Bangladesh while Bangladesh exports limited amounts of readymade garment, ceramic, melamine, medicine and leather goods to Bhutan.
To enhance bilateral trade, Bangladesh has already offered Bhutan to use Chittagong and Mongla seaports as well as Lalmonirhat and Syedpur airports.
Presently, export and import between Bangladesh and Bhutan are being done through Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat using Indian territory. The two countries are discussing establishing new land routes in addition to the existing trade routes.
Under another agreement, Dhaka will allocate a piece of land at the city's Baridhara to Bhutan for the construction of its permanent embassy.
The two countries yesterday renewed the bilateral trade agreement. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Bhutan's Economic Affairs Minister Norbu Wangchuk signed the trade agreement for their respective countries, while Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Bhutanese counterpart Rinzin Dorje inked the deal on the land allocation.
The deals were signed following the official talks led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The two prime ministers witnessed the signing of the agreement at the PMO.
Talking to reporters at the PMO, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Bhutan had earlier enjoyed duty-free export of 74 items from their country.
With the signing of the trade agreement, the two countries will now enjoy duty-free export of 90 items from each country, he said, adding that Bangladesh and Bhutan are moving forward to allow duty-free to all items from both countries.
Tofail Ahmed said the two countries would also sign a preferential trade agreement.
Bangladesh would allow duty-free import of boulder that would be used for the construction of the Padma Bridge, he mentioned.
Fresh fruits and minerals are among the goods Bhutan exports to Bangladesh while Bangladesh exports limited amounts of readymade garment, ceramic, melamine, medicine and leather goods to Bhutan.
To enhance bilateral trade, Bangladesh has already offered Bhutan to use Chittagong and Mongla seaports as well as Lalmonirhat and Syedpur airports.
Presently, export and import between Bangladesh and Bhutan are being done through Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat using Indian territory. The two countries are discussing establishing new land routes in addition to the existing trade routes.
Published: 12:00 am Sunday, December 07, 2014
Last modified: 12:36 am Sunday, December 07, 2014
