Bhutan keen to sign free trade agreement with Bangladesh

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed interest in signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and establishing linkages between the two countries’ economic zones.
Tobgay made the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the organization’s headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (September 26). Tobgay said that the initiative will add a new dimension to trade and investment.
He also said that both countries would benefit greatly if Bhutan’s special economic zone ‘Gelepu Mindfulness City (GMC)’ is linked to the special economic zone allocated for Bhutanese investors in Kurigram.
Principal Advisor Professor Yunus welcomed the proposal and said that Bangladesh and Bhutan can take bilateral relations to new heights through improved connectivity, trade and investment. He called on the two countries to explore all opportunities for expanding trade and investment.
The Bhutanese Prime Minister also outlined his government’s plans to promote religious tourism. He noted that Bangladeshi Buddhist monks can visit Bhutan, which will play an important role in developing tourism.
Tobgay said that Bhutan wants to exploit its hydropower potential for Bangladesh. At the same time, he said that his government is keen to welcome Bangladeshi investment in Bhutan’s pharmaceutical industry. He also sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in establishing fiber optic connectivity.
The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis. The Bhutanese Prime Minister said that his country will participate in the UN plenary session on the Rohingya issue on September 30.
Praising Professor Yunus’ leadership, Tobgay added that Bangladesh is now “under the right leadership”. He addressed him with respect, referring to him as his personal ‘role model’ – ‘my professor’.
The Bhutanese Prime Minister also praised the design of Bangladesh’s new Chancery building, recently inaugurated in Thimphu, which is built on the theme of ‘Bay of Bengal at the foot of the Himalayas’.
During the meeting, Principal Advisor Professor Yunus extended an invitation to the Bhutanese Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh. Tobagy accepted the invitation and said that he would probably visit Bangladesh before the national elections in February.