Nepal-Bangladesh Joint Secretary Level Talks Begin

22 Oct, Kathmandu: The fourth meeting of Commerce Joint-Secretary Level Technical Committee of Nepal and Bangladesh began in the capital from today with an objective of promotion of trade between Nepal and Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, extensive discussion would be held on the issue of reducing trade deficit with Bangladesh in the meeting. Joint-Secretary Nabaraj Dhakal of the Commerce Ministry, who is leading Nepali delegation in the meeting, said that the agenda of ‘connectivity’ between Nepal and Bangladesh would also be raised with importance.

Similarly, discussion would be held for the operation of direct bus service from Kathmandu to Dhaka as well as cargo supplies between Nepal and Bangladesh, said Joint-Secretary Dhakal. Likewise, discussion would be held regarding providing Bangladesh visa to Nepali students in an easy and smooth manner. It has been said that an intensive discussion would be held regarding linking Nepal and Bangladesh via inland water ways and an understanding might be reached between the two countries for carrying out feasibility study for the same.

Dhakal said that the meeting would also hold discussion regarding operation of direct air service between Nepal and Bangladesh. “Discussion would be held regarding ‘air route’ in order to operate air service to Bangladesh from eastern part of Nepal,” he added. Bilateral memorandum of understanding would be given final shape in the meeting and it would be signed there. Nepal is participating in the meeting under leadership of Dhakal. The Nepali side in the meeting also has representatives of Foreign, Finance and Law ministries, and bodies including Department of Customs. rss