Bhutan for joint venture on hydroelectricity

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Outgoing Bhutanese Ambassador in Bangladesh Dasho Jigme Tshultim has said there is opportunity for joint venture on hydroelectricity between Bangladesh and Bhutan, as his country is abundant in hydroelectric potential.
The remark came when the ambassador made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office in the city Thursday, reports UNB.
The Bhutanese envoy said hydroelectricity is an area in which Bhutan can contribute meaningfully among South Asian Association for Regi-onal Cooperation (SAARC) countries.
Responding to the idea of Bangladesh-Bhutan joint venture on hydroelectricity, the Chief Adviser said there would be win-win situation for both the countries as Bangladesh has a growing demand of electricity. This will raise the lifestyle of both the peoples.
He said there are also opportunities to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries and Bhutan can import in bigger way pharmaceutical items from Bangladesh apart from readymade garments, leather goods and toiletries.
Fakhruddin Ahmed recalled his fruitful bilateral meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister on the sidelines of the last SAARC Summit in New Delhi when the Bhutanese premier laid emphasis on further expanding relations of cooperation particularly in tourism and cultural fields.
The ambassador lauded the caretaker government's reform measures saying that they are learning many things of democracy from Bangladesh.
He recalled that Bhutan is the second country that recognised Bangladesh following its independence and is a great friend.
The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that the existing close relations between the two SAARC countries would increase in the days ahead.

The Chief Adviser said his government is getting prepared for election, as it is committed to hold a free, fair and credible election as per the timeframe set by the Election Commission to hand over power to an elected government as soon as possible.