Staff Reporter

The Indian commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal and secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Tashi Wangmo, co-chaired the India-Bhutan Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) on September 27.

The meeting aimed to expedite the development of cross-border and connectivity infrastructure, with a particular focus on establishing an Integrated Check Post in Jaigaon-Phuentsholing and creating rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse.

During his official visit to Bhutan from September 27 to 28, 2024, the Indian commerce secretary emphasised the urgency of enhancing cross-border trade and connectivity.

The two leaders discussed several key initiatives, including the notification of LCS Hatisar and LCS Darranga as additional routes for importing areca nuts from Bhutan to India. They also agreed to designate LCS Darranga as an additional Point of Entry for food imports.

The Government of India committed to notifying the LCS at Samrang following necessary infrastructure upgrades.

The notification of LCS Jaigaon for importing scrap from Bhutan is currently under consideration.

The meeting also covered the establishment of border haats along the India-Bhutan border and the facilitation of businessperson movement between the two countries.

Discussions included the consideration of importing boulders from Bhutan, as well as the inclusion of three additional timber species for import.

The deployment of personnel for Phyto Quarantine Inspection Services (PQIS) at LCS Darranga was also addressed, along with the early operationalization of an agreement recognizing the control exercised by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which was signed in March 2024.

The two sides agreed to expedite the finalisation of an agreement for fertilizer supply from Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited in India to Bhutan.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral trade, commerce, connectivity, and investment partnerships. They noted recent advancements, including the signing of a bilateral memorandum of understanding on the general supply of petroleum, oil, lubricants, and related products from India to Bhutan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening trade linkages and facilitating the cross-border movement of goods, services, and people.

The next Commerce Secretary Level Meeting is set to take place in India at a mutually convenient date. This visit highlights the longstanding tradition of regular exchanges between Bhutan and India, aimed at reinforcing the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.