B Mirror Report: In order to fully realize the region’s unrealized economic potential, Bangladesh and Bhutan have demonstrated a great desire to expand their bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of commerce and renewable energy.
An official press release states that Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji met with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir in the Secretariat to discuss the matter.
The commerce minister stressed the importance of increasing intraregional trade at the conference, pointing out that despite South Asia’s enormous economic potential, it is still one of the world’s least linked areas.
According to him, intraregional trade makes up a very small portion of the region’s overall trade, underscoring the need of bolstering economic relations between nearby nations.
Muktadir reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to regional connectivity and proposed exploring joint initiatives in the energy sector, especially renewable energy.
He suggested launching joint-venture hydroelectric projects and expanding cooperation in solar energy, utilizing Bhutan’s hydropower resources and the close geographical proximity between the two nations.
The Bhutanese ambassador welcomed the proposals and expressed her country’s interest in enhancing collaboration in both energy and trade sectors.
She noted that Bhutan’s border is located near Bangladesh’s Burimari land port, making trade and connectivity between the two countries easier and more cost-effective.
Dorji also highlighted the long-standing people-to-people relations, particularly in the education sector, where Bhutanese students regularly come to Bangladesh for medical studies, strengthening mutual understanding.
Senior officials from both sides, including Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akter and Bhutan’s Minister Counsellor (Trade) Dawa Tshering, were present at the meeting.
Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation in renewable energy and trade would support sustainable economic growth and promote regional integration.
