On the second day of his official visit to Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay engaged in a series of meetings aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, attracting investment, and building private-sector partnerships. The Prime Minister met with leaders of Bangladesh’s investment bodies, business sector, political groups, and the Bhutanese community. During the visit, both countries committed to fostering collaboration in trade, connectivity, education, health, and investment.
This morning, the Prime Minister held a meeting with the Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh’s key investment and economic zone authorities. The meeting explored opportunities for Bhutan to collaborate in emerging industries, manufacturing, and technology-driven sectors within Bangladesh’s economic zones.
This was followed by an audience with the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the two sides discussed trade, connectivity, hydropower cooperation, and ongoing people-to-people ties.
Throughout the afternoon, the Prime Minister held a series of back-to-back meetings with prominent business leaders from major Bangladeshi companies. Discussions ranged from manufacturing partnerships and market access to potential joint ventures to broaden economic outreach and foster stronger private-sector connections.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister also met representatives from various political groups in Bangladesh. These interactions provided insights into the country’s political environment and ongoing national transition.
In the evening, the Prime Minister met with the Bhutanese community in Bangladesh, including students studying across different colleges and universities.
During the visit, Bangladesh agreed to offer ten engineering scholarships at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and one sports diploma scholarship at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan.
Both sides agreed to enhance Chattogram-Burimari transit and commence discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement. Bangladesh also offered to supply pharmaceuticals, support Gelephu Mindfulness City and the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone at Kurigram. The two sides also signed two MoUs on internet bandwidth trade and the health workforce.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to visit Bhutan.
Karma Samten Wangda, Bangladesh
Edited by Phub Gyem
