Staff Reporter

The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangladesh is organising the First Bhutan Trade and Investment Fair in Dhaka beginning today.

The trade and investment fair is themed “Bridging the Gap between Investors, Producers, Traders, and Consumers for ‘Made in Bhutan’ and ‘Grown in Bhutan’ products.”

It is organised with the primary objective of facilitating the implementation of the provisions of this historic agreement for the mutual benefit of the people of our two friendly countries.

According to foreign ministry officials, the trade and investment fair will provide an excellent platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, and service industries of the two countries to build networks, explore opportunities, and strengthen trade and commercial relations.

The three-day event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. It is supported by the Bhutan Country Office of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Bhutan and Bangladesh signed the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on December 6, 2020, to promote and expand bilateral trade.

However, officials said that due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the two countries have not been able to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the agreement to enhance trade and commerce between them.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister, Tipu Munshi, MP, will be the chief guest at the inauguration of the Fair.

On the sidelines of the trade and investment fair, experts from Bhutan will also organise seminars on investment opportunities in Bhutan in general, and agri-food systems in particular.

Around 25 companies from Bhutan will be participating in the Fair, showcasing a wide range of “Made in Bhutan” and “Grown in Bhutan” products of premium quality.