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Bhutan pursuing to open bus service between two countries |
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May 17, 2000
Dhaka, May 16 (UNB)- Bhutan is pursuing Bangladesh to open bus service between the two neighbouring countries. Stating this at a press conference at the state guesthouse Padma this (Tuesday) morning, the visiting Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Jigme Y Thinley said Bhutan is also pursuing a separate land route through India to link Bhutan and Bangladesh. “After a series of visits by experts, Bhutan has chosen Dalu-Nakogaon route,” he added. Thinley said they had preliminary discussion with the Indian side on the matter. “We feel India would be positive.”
Currently, Bhutan has a land route linking Bangladesh through Burimari, he informed. “Burimari is being used by the Western Bhutanese but it is not effective for the Eastern Bhutanese. So, we need the second route to link the Eastern Bhutanese people with Bangladesh,” he added. The Bhutanese foreign minister felt that the existing infrastructure at the Burimari land port was not satisfactory for easy transportation of goods as well as movement of people. About extending trade and business between the two nations, he said expansion of the tourism sector could help increase the trade volume. He, however, said that the existing schedule of trade items should be broadened for expansion of trade and business between the two countries. He said Bangladesh and Bhutan has agreed to renew the trade agreement, which expires in September, to expand volume of bilateral trade heavily inclined towards Thimpu. Terming the proposed sub-regional grouping among Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India as very promising, the foreign minister said he has discussed the matter with the Bangladesh side. “The sub-regional cooperation will be very useful and effective for all the members,” he added. Asked about the postponement of SAARC summit, Thinley said he saw it as a brief halt. “It must go on in the collective interest of the countries of the region. We want to explore the vast potential and realise it for the benefit of the people." He hoped that an enabling political situation would be created for holding the summit. He informed the reporters that Bhutan was preparing to host the seven-nation summit in 2003. Replying to a question about Bhutan’s relation with Nepal, the Bhutanese foreign minister said that at present, there is problem due to the refugee issue. Over 90,000 Bhutanese people have taken refuge in Nepal. However, he said that the issue would be resolved soon. “My Nepalese counterpart is coming to Thimpu on my invitation next week to discuss the issue.” The Bhutanese foreign minister leaves Dhaka tomorrow (Wednesday). |