The Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment introduced the agreement on the movement of Traffic-in-Transit between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Royal Government of Bhutan yesterday. The transit agreement aims to enhance connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through various modes of transportation such as road, rail, air, river, and coastal waterways.
Presenting the agreement on the movement of Traffic-in-Transit, Minister Karma Dorji said that the agreement has the potential to foster trade relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh by promoting facilitation, expansion, and deeper cooperation.
“The agreement will help Bhutan in importing and exporting various goods. As per the agreement, the Bangladesh government will help facilitate the movement of Bhutan’s transit goods through 15 identified routes in Bangladesh via various modes of transportation such as road, rail, air, river and coastal waterways,” said Karma Dorji, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister.
The members of the House supported the agreement and decided to deliberate on the matter.
However, the members recommended the Legislative Committee carefully review and consider the challenges associated with its implementation.
“Since we do not share any border with the government of Bangladesh, we will have to use the routes from India. In doing so, there will be a few challenges in the movement of transit goods. As such it would be better if these factors can also be looked into,” said Ugyen Wangdi, Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP.
“It would be better if the legislative committee, which is looking after the agreement come up with solutions to probable issues that may arise once the agreement is implemented,” said Passang Dorjo (PhD), Bartsham-Shongphu MP.
Bhutan signed its first transit agreement with Bangladesh in 1980. However, the agreement expired in the year 2000. Since then, Bhutan has repeatedly sought the renewal of the agreement. Currently, Bhutan’s only transit agreement is with India.
Bangladesh is Bhutan’s second-largest trading partner and an important neighbour within the region.
The house will continue the deliberations on the agreement in the coming week
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sherub Dorji
