Dhaka signs 5 deals with Thimphu
Bangladesh and Bhutan yesterday inked five deals covering avoidance of double taxation, agriculture, standardisation of goods, cultural cooperation and waterways connectivity.
Diplomatic sources said Dhaka allowed transit to Bhutan to use its waterways for transportation of goods on cargoes imported through Chittagong and Mongla seaports.
The three memorandums of understanding and two agreements would boost the bilateral ties between the two countries, added the sources.
The deals were signed at the Royal Banquet Hall of Gyalyong Tshogkhang yesterday after the official talks between the two countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay led their respective sides at the talks. They also witnessed the signing of the deals.
Hasina, who reached Thimphu yesterday morning on a three-day official visit, is scheduled to join an international conference on autism today.
The MoU between Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) of the Bhutanese agriculture ministry, and Bangladesh's Department of Agricultural Extension was signed by Namgay Wangchuk, director general of BAFRA.
The agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on income was inked by Nim Dorji, finance secretary of Bhutan.
The agreement on cultural cooperation was signed by Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Sonam Tshong.
The two countries inked the MoU on Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes.
The other MoU between Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) and Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) was signed by Sonam Phuntsho, director general of BSB.
PMO Senior Secretary Suraiya Begum, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and Director General (South Asia wing) of the Foreign Ministry Monowar Hossain signed the agreements and MoUs on behalf of Bangladesh.
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