Dhaka keen to expand bilateral trade, economic relations with Thimphu

Bangladesh is keen to further expand and deepen its bilateral trade and economic relations with the Kingdom of Bhutan as there is a great scope of widening of trade volume between the two friendly countries.

President Iajuddin Ahmed said this while outgoing ambassador of Bhutan in Bangladesh Dasho Jigme Tshultim made a farewell call on the President at the Bangabhaban in the city Tuesday, reports BSS.

The President also said Bangladesh is eager to work with Bhutan on Hydro-electricity project under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) energy ring concept.

Welcoming the ambassador, the President congratulated him on his significant contributions towards further strengthening Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral relations during his tenure in the country.

Expressing excellent relations between the two countries Iajuddin Ahmed stated that Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with its neighbour and friendly country of Bhutan.

The President recalled with gratitude the contributions of Bhutan, which recognised Bangladesh on December 7, 1971 during the War of Liberation.

Iajuddin Ahmed underscored the need for enhancing educational exchange programme for the mutual benefit of the two countries. The President mentioned that Bangladesh imparted quality education in medicine, engineering, agriculture, general education and the students of Bhutan might take education in those subjects for achieving excellence.

The President also mentioned that Bangladesh had achieved some millennium development goals, including female education, sanitation, empowerment of women and micro-credit.

The President appraised the envoy that Bangladesh was ready to hand over a plot to the government of Bhutan for its diplomatic mission here. President Iajuddin Ahmed expressed the hope that the government of Bhutan would also provide a plot for Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu.

In reply, the outgoing envoy said the existing bilateral relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh are excellent and it would be further strengthened in the days to come.

He mentioned that some Bhutanese students were taking education from Bangladesh, particularly in medicine and doing well in their country.

He added that the trade volume between the two countries was growing day by day and it would be further enhanced in the coming days.

The envoy also expressed his gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for providing support and cooperation in discharging duties during his tenure here.

The President wished the outgoing ambassador all success in his future assignments and endeavours. He also wished him good health and happiness.

Iajuddin Ahmed also conveyed his best wishes and greetings to the king of Bhutan through the envoy.