The visiting delegation of Bhutan expressed deep interest on Wednesday to develop business relationships with Bangladesh.
The expression of interest came at a meeting between the 36-member Bhutanese delegation and the leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), held at the conference room of the apex trade body in the capital. The delegation was led by Deputy Chamberlain of the Kingdom of Bhutan Chewang Rinzin.
Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh Sonam Tobden Rabgye was also present at the meeting, titled ERP (engage, reflect and plan of action), moderated by FBCCI's Senior Vice-president Sheikh Fazle Fahim.
During the meeting, the Bhutanese delegates also stressed the need to identify the potential sectors for expansion of bilateral trade. They laid emphasis on Bangladesh's investment in Bhutan.
FBCCI Senior Vice-president Sheikh Fazle Fahim discussed about the non-tariff measures (NTMs), and emphasised on developing the land port facilities and cargo handling systems, both in the Himalayan country and here.
He also laid emphasis on simplifying business visa procedures for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and business tourists to Bhutan.
FBCCI Senior Vice President Sheikh Fazle Fahim expressed gratitude to Bhutan delegation for visiting Bangladesh.
He proposed to host a 'Tourism Summit' to be jointly organised by the FBCCI and the Bhutan Embassy in Dhaka for a better understanding of tourism both of Bangladesh and Bhutan.
The relationship between Bhutan and Bangladesh has always been good as Bhutan was the first country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971.
The directors of the FBCCI invited were also present at the meeting.
The FBCCI directors invited the Bhutanese people to visit the attractive tourist spots in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh mainly exports agricultural products, woven garment, plastic and plastic articles, and chemical products to Bhutan and imports vegetable products, iron and steel, textiles and textile article from Bhutan.
Bangladesh exported to Bhutan goods worth US $3.21 million in the fiscal year 2016-17 while its import from the Himalayan state stood at $33.20 million in the last financial year.
