Bangladesh, India, and Nepal Move to Finalize Connectivity Network
9 February 2020
Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) met in New Delhi, India, on 8 February 2020 to discuss passenger and cargo protocols and push for the finalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). The passenger and cargo protocols were first signed on 15 June 2015.
Bangladesh, India, and Nepal plan to launch the BBIN MVA, while Bhutan is working on domestic procedures for the ratification of the agreement. Representatives from Bhutan participated in the meeting as observers.
The meeting reviewed commitments in relation to the BBIN MVA. It reviewed each country’s progress on the protocol for the movement of passengers with regards to consultations with internal stakeholders. The meeting also discussed the draft protocol for the movement of cargo vehicles and the draft enabling memorandum of understanding for the BBIN MVA’s implementation.
The country delegations affirmed the importance of trade, economic cooperation, and people-to-people contact through enhanced regional connectivity, including through regional cross-border road transport.
The delegations were led by Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Director General for South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh); Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (India); and Mr. Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (Nepal). Bhutan’s observer team was led by Mr. Pem Tshering, Legal Officer, Ministry of Information and Communications.
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