Bhutan expresses interest in FTA, economic ties with Bangladesh

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Shering Tobgay has expressed keen interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and enhancing connectivity between the economic zones of both countries.

On Friday (September 27), Tobgay met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the UN Headquarters, where he highlighted that such initiatives would significantly boost trade and investment.

He proposed linking Bhutan’s special economic zone, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), with a dedicated special economic zone in Kurigram for Bhutanese investors, emphasizing mutual benefits.

Professor Yunus welcomed the proposal, urging both nations to explore all avenues to expand bilateral trade and investment.

The Bhutanese leader also outlined his government’s plans to promote religious tourism, interest in leveraging Bhutan’s hydropower potential for Bangladesh and invited Bangladeshi investment in Bhutan’s pharmaceutical sector.

He also sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in establishing fiber optic connectivity.

The discussed also focused on the Rohingya crisis, with Tobgay confirming Bhutan’s participation in the upcoming UN plenary session on September 30.

Tobgay praises Dr Yunus’s leadership and acknowledged Bangladesh’s strong governance.

Additionally, Tobgay lauded the newly inaugurated Bangladeshi chancery building in Thimphu, designed around the theme “From the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.”

Professor Yunus also extended an invitation to Tobgay to visit Bangladesh, which the Prime Minister accepted, aiming to visit before the country’s national elections in February.