6 November, 2009 - The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, will arrive today in Thimphu on a four-day state visit at the invitation of Lyonchhoen Jigme Y Thinley.
This is her first visit to Bhutan and her first bilateral visit in the South Asian region since she was elected as Prime Minister last December. Sheikh Hasina is leading a 48-member delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.
During her visit, the Prime Minister will receive an audience with His Majesty the King at Tashichhodzong. The Bhutan-Bangladesh bilateral trade agreement will be signed on November 7.
Bhutan and Bangladesh enjoy good trade relations and the two countries have seen a substantial increase in trade in the past 19 years. In 2008, the value of trade between the two countries was recorded at Nu 755.96m, the highest till date.
“Bangladesh is an important trading partner for Bhutan after India and over the years, both export and import saw an increasing trend,” said a foreign ministry spokesperson. Import from Bangladesh mainly comprises of garments and Bhutan exports apples and oranges.
Relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh, goes back to 1971 when Bangladesh emerged as an independent country. Diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1973 and resident missions were set up in 1980. Bhutan was among the first countries to recognize independent Bangladesh.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity to renew and further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and Bangladesh.
By Kinga Dema
