Nepal, Bangladesh resume talks on preferential trade deal after years of deadlock
Summary
Nepal and Bangladesh are resuming commerce secretary-level talks in Dhaka to discuss a bilateral preferential trade agreement and other trade cooperation issues, aiming to strengthen economic relations and improve connectivity.
Key Points
- Nepal and Bangladesh will resume commerce secretary-level talks in Dhaka focusing on a bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA) and the list of goods covered under it.
- Nepal seeks removal of high tariff and para-tariff charges imposed by Bangladesh on Nepali goods as a condition for signing the PTA.
- The talks will also cover broader trade and investment cooperation, transit and connectivity issues including the use of the Rohanpur–Singhabad railway route.
- Nepal's exports to Bangladesh remain limited and concentrated mainly in agricultural products, while imports from Bangladesh have steadily increased over the years.
