Bangladesh and Bhutan on Tuesday underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening private sector cooperation, expanding the product coverage under the Bangladesh-Bhutan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
The two countries also explored the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA),according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The issues were discussed at the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Government of Bhutan (RGoB) held in Dhaka.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and the Foreign Secretary Pema Lektup Dorji.
The meeting was held in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere and provided an opportunity to review the full range of bilateral relations.
The two sides also exchange views on cooperation at regional and multilateral level on matters of mutual interest.
Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding bonds of friendship, trust and mutual respect and expressed satisfaction at the steady progress of bilateral cooperation over the years across a wide range of areas, including political, trade and investment, connectivity, education, health, culture, tourism, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen high-level political engagements and regular consultations between the two governments.
They emphasised the importance of translating the existing goodwill and political understanding into tangible outcomes for the peoples of both countries.
