Bhutan, Bangladesh seek greater regional connectivity

Bhutan may sell power to Bangladesh in return for more imports, including fruits and vegetables, as the South Asian nations discussed trade and tourism as well as cooperation in setting up industries.

During the ongoing visit to Bhutan by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Thimphu endorsed her proposal for road connectivity through India, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported Sunday.

"Once this route is established, we could immediately start Dhaka-Thimpu direct bus service. This would clearly contribute further to increasing people-to-people contact alongside trade," Hasina said at a state function in the Bhutanese capital Saturday night.

She called for intensifying cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan, specifically in establishing small-and medium-scale industries.

"We will be happy if we can set up land communications with Bangladesh," Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley said when Hasina met him.

Addressing the banquet function hosted by her Bhutanese counterpart at the Royal Banquet Hall, the visiting prime minister also stressed the need for joint efforts in power and energy sector, particularly in generating hydroelectricity, for mutual benefit.

The prime minister proposed that the electric power generated in Bhutan could be exported to neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh.

"For such regional grid connectivity, our two countries could work together," New Age newspaper quoted her as saying.

Last updated on Nov 8^th, 2009 at 11:16 am IST--IANS