The 7th Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) between Bangladesh and Nepal, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 18-19 April 2024, highlighted the need to finalize Bangladesh and Nepal’s Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and progress in implementing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA).

Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of Bangladesh, and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of the Government of Nepal, led the meeting delegations.

The meeting emphasized finalizing the PTA between the two nations. Both sides agreed that the proposed PTA would foster increased trade by facilitating duty-free or preferential access to each other's goods. To expedite this process, it was decided that the Trade Negotiating Committee would convene promptly to conclude the PTA text, Rules of Origin, and product lists. Additionally, the delegates agreed to undertake preparations for the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMMA) that will facilitate the exchange of customs-related data and information, further streamlining trade processes.

The meeting also addressed several other important issues. Recognizing the importance of connectivity in enhancing trade relations, both countries stressed the need to implement the cargo protocol under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA). The delegations discussed potential challenges related to market access following their expected graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, emphasizing the need for collaboration in addressing these challenges. The delegates also welcomed recent developments in power sector cooperation, with Bangladesh emphasizing the need for secure, long-term power supply and investor protection.

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Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to sign a Customs Related Data