Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to expedite the finalisation of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and enhance cooperation to boost bilateral trade, connectivity and economic partnership.
The decisions were made during the 8th Commerce Secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka on January 13–14.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, while Nepal’s Commerce Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire headed the Nepalese side.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and economic ties.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to convene a Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) within the next three months to finalise the PTA draft, Rules of Origin and product lists.
Bangladesh proposed initially implementing the PTA with a limited number of products, with the option to gradually expand coverage over time.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate efforts to reduce tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff barriers while enhancing market access for goods.
Measures to simplify visa procedures for businesspersons, professionals, and tourists were also discussed, aiming to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism.
Other agreements included improving payment systems, strengthening transaction management, developing port infrastructure, expanding rail connectivity, easing customs procedures and ensuring effective implementation of transit facilities.
Cooperation will also be strengthened to implement existing MoUs, including those related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
The meeting further explored tourism development, expansion of air connectivity, investment opportunities, experience-sharing for sustainable development post-LDC graduation and the potential for enhanced Bangladesh–Nepal–India trilateral cooperation.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and reinforcing long-term economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal.
SH
