The New Nation - Internet Edition

A 16-MEMBER business delegation from neighbouring Bhutan during its recent visit to Dhaka urged Bangladesh businessmen to invest in the Himalayan state to obtain 'maximum benefit' from their venture. Bhutan has for long been a business partner of Bangladesh but the trade volume between the two countries is very small despite the fact that there is much scope to increase export from Bangladesh. In fact, Bangladesh importers and exporters are facing serious problems in opening letters of credit in the local banks which are not interested because local exporters sometimes are unable to send goods through India.

During the 9-month period from July 2007 - March 2008, Bangladesh's imports from Bhutan stood at $ 10.80 million, while its exports to Bhutan amounted to only US$ 0.78 million, according to latest official available figures. The major items Bangladesh imports from Bhutan are vegetable and mineral products, chemicals, prepared foodstuffs, beverages, fruits, vinegar, tobacco, timber, wooden products and textile items - some of which are already popular brands here. Bangladesh, on the other hand, exports major items like woven garment, computer accessories, dry food and frozen fish besides pharmaceutical products.

It was admitted that though there is a wider scope the two countries, it was pointed out, could not enhance bilateral trade upto the mark till now mainly because of lack of transit route through the small passage of Indian territory for direct movement of goods. Both Bhutan and Bangladesh have been requesting India for providing the transit for long but in vain. Bhutan's third country trade currently moves through India's Kolkata Port, which always remains congested. Bangladesh could have provided relatively congestion-free facilities through Mongla Port, which is located rather at a shorter distance from Thimpu compared to Kolkata.