Nepal, Bangladesh agree to boost bilateral trade, transport facilities

Nepal and Bangladesh have agreed to expand bilateral trade and transport facilities between them.

During the fourth Nepal-Bangladesh commerce secretary-level talks that concluded here in Kathmandu on Monday, Bangladesh agreed to provide zero-tariff facility in some 100 Nepali agriculture and other products.

The two-day meeting led by Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies Lalmani Joshi from Nepal and Bangladeshi Commerce Secretary Mohammad Gulam Hussein ended with agreement to resolve the issues of the transport operation modalities by the end of 2012. The agreement is expected to boost export of Nepal after simplification in the operation of Chittagong and Mongla route, said Ministry of Commerce and Supplies.

“Bangladesh has expressed commitment to improve and simplify the transport connectivity in the border areas to boost bilateral trade activities between the two nations. Both the countries have also agreed to give final touch to Kathmandu-Dhaka bus service operation agreement,” the ministry said in a statement.

Bangladesh also agreed to provide on arrival Visa to Nepalis along with promoting tourism of both the nations, offering tour package.

The meeting also decided to hold their next secretary-level talks in February 2013. nepalnews.com