Bangladesh urged to cut tariffs on Nepalese goods

Nepal has urged Bangladesh to reduce tariffs on its products in a bid to increase bilateral trade between the two South Asian countries as the present trade is below potential.

The newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari sought the support of Bangladesh in relaxing tariffs on Nepalese commodities during a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen at the latter's office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

He underscored the necessity of expanding trade and commerce between the two countries, said a press statement.

According to available statistics, Bangladesh exported goods worth 10.67 billion Nepalese rupees to the Himalayan country and imported products worth 670 million Nepalese rupees in the fiscal year 2020-21.

The new Ambassador of Nepal stated that the bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal is growing steadily in the sectors, such as trade, power, connectivity, education, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

He emphasised regular interaction and stressed holding the next Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Nepal at an early date. He further expressed his desire to work for further deepening the bilateral relations during his tenure.

The foreign minister reaffirmed the importance of strong relations between the two countries, mentioning that Bangladesh and Nepal have been maintaining cordial ties since independence.

Dr Momen expressed satisfaction that the two countries recently celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties on 8 April. He further expressed gratitude for the support of the people of Nepal during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 and for its early recognition of Bangladesh as an independent country

Dr Momen also underscored the necessity of further consolidating cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and he expressed his hope that the ongoing sectoral collaboration will be expanded and pursued during the term of the new Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh.

Ghanshyam Bhandari presented his "Letters of Credence" to the President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid ceremonially on 31 August at Bangabhaban.