Two more routes for Bhutan-Bangladesh trade
Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh is likely to get boosted with two new shipment routes offered by India. The southern neighbour, responding to Bhutan’s requests, has allowed Bhutan to use two new land customs stations at Meghalaya.
Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka has informed the government of Bangladesh about Indian decision with a request to notify Nakugaon and Haluaghat land ports for transshipment export-import trade with Bhutan. Accordingly, Bangladeshi foreign minister notified authorities at Nakugaon-Dalu and Tamabil-Dawki land customs stations that these stations are now dedicated port for Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral trade
Bhutan will be using Dalu and Ghausapara Land Customs Stations in Meghalaya, which are adjacent to Nakugaon and Haluaghat land ports, for trade.
Bhutan already had two routes to trade with Bangladesh.
The trade between Bhutan and Bangladesh is insignificant with exports from Bhutan crossing US$18 million in 2010-11. Bhutan imported goods worth US$ 3.12 million from Bangladesh in the same year, indicating positive trade balance for Bhutan.
Bangladesh had earlier offered duty-free access of some Bhutanese products and to use Chittagong and Mongla Ports for which in return Bhutan agreed to meet the power deficit of Bangladesh when bigger plants in Bhutan comes into operation.
Bhutan is also looking for professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers in its booming construction industry, where Indians dominate it. In one of the instances, Bangladeshis were found working illegally in projects – without getting working permits. They were evicted.
Bhutanese exports to Bangladesh include boulders, dolomite, gypsum, dust coal, slate, graphite, timber and fruits and fruit products (jelly and jam), and imports from Bangladesh include consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, jute products, news print papers, chemicals, detergents and light machinery.
Bhutan and Bhutan also have agreement on exchange of agricultural goods and operation of airlines.