New York, Sep 26 (V7N) – Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed interest in signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and establishing linkages between the economic zones of the two countries.

Tobgay made the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Friday. He said such an initiative would give a new dimension to bilateral trade and investment.

The Bhutanese premier noted that both countries could benefit greatly if Bhutan’s special economic zone “Gelepu Mindfulness City (GMC)” is connected with the economic zone in Kurigram, which has been allocated for Bhutanese investors.

Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus welcomed the proposal, stressing that improved communication, trade, and investment can take Bangladesh–Bhutan relations to new heights. He urged both nations to explore all opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tobgay also highlighted Bhutan’s plans to promote religious tourism, noting that visits by Bangladeshi Buddhist monks could play an important role. He further said Bhutan wanted to harness its hydropower resources for Bangladesh and sought Bangladeshi investment in Bhutan’s pharmaceutical sector. He also requested Dhaka’s support in establishing fiber optic connectivity.

The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis, with Tobgay confirming that Bhutan will participate in the UN plenary session on the issue on September 30.

Praising Prof. Yunus’ leadership, Tobgay said Bangladesh was now under the “right leadership,” describing Yunus as his personal “ideal” and addressing him respectfully as “My Professor.”

He also commended the architectural design of Bangladesh’s new Chancery building in Thimphu, built on the theme “Bay of Bengal at the foot of the Himalayas.”

At the end of the meeting, Prof. Yunus invited the Bhutanese premier to visit Bangladesh. Tobgay accepted the invitation, saying he would likely make the trip before Bangladesh’s national elections in February.

END/SMA/AJ