Online Desk:
The 8th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting between Bangladesh and Nepal was held at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka from 13-14 January 2026. The Bangladesh delegation led by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and the Nepal delegation led by Commerce Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire participated in the meeting.
In the meeting, the Commerce Secretaries of both countries expressed satisfaction with the excellent relations existing between the two countries and expressed optimism that this will continue in the future. Various important issues were discussed in detail with a view to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. In particular, discussions were held on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), visa facilitation, reduction of tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff barriers, increasing market access for goods and facilitating payment systems, increasing mutual market access for goods of both countries, development of port infrastructure, expansion of rail connectivity, simplification of customs procedures and implementation of transit facilities. In addition, the meeting also discussed the development of tourism and expansion of air connectivity, investment opportunities, exchange of experiences for sustainable development after LDC transition and the possibility of strengthening Bangladesh-Nepal-India trilateral cooperation.
The meeting discussed in detail the finalization of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal. Both sides emphasized the need to quickly finalize the draft text, Rules of Origin text and list of products (Request List and Offer List) of the PTA. The Bangladesh side highlighted its position on implementing the PTA under limited products in the initial stage and expanding it gradually later. To this end, it was decided to finalize the draft text, Rules of Origin text and list of products of the PTA through the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) meeting within the next three months.
In the meeting, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation between the relevant agencies of both countries on the implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and Nepal and on issues related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). They agreed to increase mutual travel and trade, investment and tourism by facilitating business visas, visas for professionals and their families, and tourist visas. Both countries pledged to take concerted efforts to further simplify the visa process.
Both sides agreed to increase market access for products, simplify payment systems and strengthen reliable transaction management. They also emphasized on taking concerted efforts to expand bilateral trade through non-tariff barriers, simplifying the product quality testing process, and special campaigns for promising products. The two sides agreed to further expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic partnership.
With a view to strengthening bilateral trade development between Bangladesh and Nepal, discussions were held on trade fairs, exhibitions and exchange of business delegations at the government (G2G) and private (B2B) levels. Both sides agreed to organize regular trade fairs, exchange market information, capacity building and strengthen cooperation at the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) level. At the same time, it was decided to organize the 9th Commerce Secretary-level meeting in Nepal at a mutually convenient time.
