Bangladesh and Bhutan are going to finalise the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) aiming to increase bilateral trade between the two countries.Outgoing Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Sonam Tobden Rabgye said this when he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting, reports UNB. He said the Prime Minister mentioned about the potentials of hydroelectricity production in Bhutan and put emphasis on enhancing cooperation between the countries in power sector. She also said Bhutan can construct a warehouse at any point in their country where the vehicles using the BBIN facility could store their goods. Sheikh Hasina also discussed various issues related to the connectivity between the two countries and said Bhutan can use the air and sea ports of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister said Bhutan has a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh as it is the first country which recognised Bangladesh first in 1971. Recalling her various visits to Bhutan, Hasina said whenever she went to other countries for any purpose she always mention about Bhutan for its environment. Sonam Tobden Rabgye thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her government’s support to him discharging his duties during his stay here. Rabgye also highly appreciated the leadership of Sheikh Hasina for the tremendous socioeconomic development in Bangladesh. He mentioned that 100,000 metric tonnes of stones will reach Bangladesh very soon. Recalling the recent visit of Bhutanese Prime Minister in Bangladesh, he said he enjoyed the Pahela Boishakh (First day of Bengali New Year) a lot in Bangladesh. Principal Secretary M Nojibur Rahman and PMO secretary Sajjadul Hassan were present at the meeting.
Source – Financial Express.
