Dhaka, Thimphu agree on energy cooperation

Bangladesh and Bhutan have agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation in energy sector under Saarc regional collaboration.

The agreement came in the wake of growing demand for energy in Bangladesh and Bhutan's high potential for production of hydroelectricity, according to a joint press release issued yesterday from Dhaka and Thimphu at the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Bhutan.

Both sides agreed to explore the possibility of land connectivity between the two next-door neighbours under the aegis of Saarc transport connectivity to promote intra-regional trade and travel.

Dhaka and Thimphu also agreed to work together in promoting regional tourism recognising the potential of developing tourism packages, offering visits to the Himalayan mountains in Bhutan and with the golden sandy beaches of Cox's Bazar and the world's largest mangrove forest of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh.

Responding positively to Bhutanese request, Hasina agreed to raise the yearly reserved seats for Bhutanese students for MBBS courses in Bangladesh's government medical colleges under Saarc quota.

During the visit, Dhaka and Thimphu signed a trade agreement. The joint release said the trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing over the years and making significant differences to the income of farmers in Bhutan and industries of Bangladesh.

Bhutan has waived all duties on imports from Bangladesh. Hasina has announced that Bangladesh will reduce tariff on 18 commodities imported from Bhutan from the existing rate of 15 percent to zero percent.

The trade agreement would also pave the way for cooperation in other sectors in the future.

Recognising that the full potential of the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan could not be tapped yet, the leaders of the two countries hoped that Bangladesh PM's visit, which would remain as a milestone in the Bangladesh and Bhutan relationship, would usher in a new era of cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh premier returned home yesterday afternoon. She arrived at 1:10pm by Druk Airlines. Earlier, the Bhutanese prime minister and his spouse saw her off at Paro International Airport.