Bangladeshi PM schedules Bhutan trip

Kathmandu, October 29, 2009: Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will land Thimphu on November 6 to observe the signing ceremony of a new bilateral trade agreement, which aims to enhance the commercial relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Hasina

In her presence, during the three-day state visit, leaders of the chamber of commerce from both the countries will sign the trading agreement in Thimphu. Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley is also scheduled to join Sheikh Hasina on signing ceremony.

During her visit, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister will handover earthquake relief assistance to Bhutan.

She is scheduled to meet with King Jigme Khesar on November 7 to talk on bilateral relations, being king as the promoter of foreign relations policies. He will also talk with fourth king Jigme Singye.

Bangladesh has been demanding roadway access with India to link her with Bhutan to boost bilateral trade. Bangladesh is the second largest trading partner of Bhutan, annual trading volume calculated around Nu 700 million.

Electricity was one major commodity Bangladesh expects to import from Bhutan in future.

According to the Department of Trade, 90 percent of the country’s products are exported to India, five percent went to Bangladesh and around rest to other countries. Bhutan in average imports almost 85 percent of goods from India and about three percent from Bangladesh.

Between July 2007 and March 2008, the import from Bangladesh was US $ 10.80 million and export from Bhutan was only US $ 0.78 million.