Bangladesh, Bhutan to strengthen trade via Kurigram-Gelephu economic corridor
The special economic zone will be linked to Bhutan’s upcoming administrative hub
Bangladesh and Bhutan are set to strengthen trade and investment ties through enhanced regional connectivity and the development of the Kurigram-Gelephu Economic Corridor, officials said.
During a bilateral meeting in Dhaka, visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted the strategic importance of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram, being developed under a Government-to-Government (G2G) partnership.
The SEZ will be linked to Bhutan's upcoming administrative hub, Gelephu Mindfulness City, creating seamless trade flows and fostering industrial collaboration between the two countries, said a press release.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to fast-tracking the Kurigram SEZ.
He said, "Kurigram and Gelephu can become complementary engines of a shared economic future. Bangladesh offers scale, skilled labour, and connectivity to global markets. Bhutan brings values of sustainability, innovation, and wellness. Together, we can anchor a new model of cross-border economic cooperation."
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tobgay also expressed Bhutan's interest in exploring opportunities for Bhutanese businesses within Bangladesh's financial sector.
He announced plans to send a high-level Bhutanese business delegation to identify key sectors for trade and investment, with particular focus on banking and financial services.
The Bangladeshi side shared updates on regulatory and institutional reforms aimed at establishing Bangladesh as a regional investment hub, including tax reforms, simplified repatriation processes, and more efficient port operations. Both sides also discussed shared heritage and cultural ties.
The Bhutanese delegation included Rinchen Kuentsyl, ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh, and senior officials from Bhutan's Ministries of Health, Commerce, and Industry. The Bangladeshi delegation comprised representatives from Bida, Beza, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Bhutan.
