UNB, Thimphu :
Bangladesh and Bhutan on Tuesday signed five instruments, including three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two agreements in sectors like agriculture, avoidance of double taxation, cultural cooperation and inland waterway use to further boost the bilateral ties between the two countries.
The MoUs and agreements were signed between the two countries at the Royal Banquet Hall of Gyalyong Tshogkhang this evening after the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Both the Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the MoUs and agreements.
Sheikh Hasina is now on a three-day state visit to Bhutan to attend an international conference on Autism.
The MoU between Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan, and Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh was signed by Namgay Wangchuk, Director General of BAFRA of Bhutan. The agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income was signed by Nim Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Finance of Bhutan.
The Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan was signed by Ambassador Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.
Another MoU signed between the two countries is on Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes between Bangladesh and Bhutan.
The other MoU between Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) and Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) was signed by Sonam Phuntsho,Director General of Bhutan Standards Bureau. Those who signed the agreements and MoUs on behalf of Bangladesh are PMO Senior Secretary Suraiya Begum, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and DG, South Asia of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monowar Hossain.
