Bangladesh, Bhutan agree on duty-free access for few items

Bangladesh and Bhutan today agreed in principle to work on duty- and quota-free access of a number of goods of the two countries to each other's market for mutual benefits.

The issue was discussed at the official bilateral meeting held between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering.

Bhutan sought duty- and quota-free access of 16 products, while Bangladesh sought that of its 10 items, said Foreign Senior Secretary M Shahidul Haque while briefing reporters after the meeting at the Prime Minister's Office.

"Bhutan sought the duty-and quota-free access of 16 goods to Bangladesh market. Our Prime Minister said she'll consider it. It's expected that it'll happen," he said.

"There were positive discussions on it (the duty- and quota-free access of Bhutanese goods) at the meeting.. Our Prime Minister said the duty-and quota-free access of our 10 products will be negotiated. Now we assume both sides have agreed in principle on it. Now It has to be worked out at the technical level," the Foreign Secretary added.

At the hour-long official meeting, Sheikh Hasina led the Bangladesh team, while Dr Lotay Tshering the Bhutanese side.