Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has expressed hopes that works of the Motor Vehicle Agreement among the four South Asian countries – Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Nepal – will begin next January.

According to the agreement, the four countries will enjoy seamless transit of passenger, cargo and personal vehicles between the countries.

The minister made the comment following a meeting with Bhutanese Ambassador in Dhaka Pema Choden at the secretariat this morning.

Pema Choden called on the bridges minister to invite him to Bhutan for signing of the agreement on June 15.

Regarding the agreement, the Bhutanese ambassador observed, "The agreement will increase people-to-people contact in the region, while the trade and commerce will get a boost, gearing up the economy of the four countries."

The secretaries concerned of the four countries will finalise the draft of the agreement on June 14, while the ministers concerned will ink the deal the next day at Thimphu in Bhutan.