 July 2023Ms. Aum Pema Choden, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bhutan, and Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India co-chaired the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, discussed matters of mutual interest, and inaugurated several projects that were implemented with the assistance of India. Read More Tags: |
 July 2023The fourth meeting of experts from India and Nepal on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project have agreed to move forward and finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 6,480 MW project in Nepal. The project is part of the Mahakali treaty signed by the two countries in February 1996. The project aims to generate power, provide irrigation, and mitigate flooding. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
 July 2023India and Sri Lanka have adopted a vision document for the two countries’ economic partnership. The partnership envisages deepening connectivity and cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, trade, and energy. Read More Tags: |
 July 2023The Government of India plans to develop the Eastern Grid waterway with 5,000 km of navigable waterways, according to Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The Eastern Grid can potentially unlock multilateral trade worth $49 billion, boost regional integration, and accelerate development. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Waterways, Transport |
 July 2023The second phase of the Jaynagar (India)-Bijalpura (Nepal)-Bardibas (Nepal) cross-border rail line project, the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section, became operational on 16 July 2023. The rail section covers a total of 17.3 km. A total of five stations are found on this route–Kurtha, Pipradi, Loharpatti, Singyahi, and Bijalpura. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 July 2023The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to sign a long-term power sale agreement that will run for 25 years, according to Mr. Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), are set to sign a tripartite agreement allowing the export of power from Nepal to Bangladesh using Indian territory. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
 July 2023In his keynote address, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of tourism to Sri Lanka's economic recovery. The President also noted the potential of making the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region one borderless tourist area that offers a wide diversity of sites and cuisines. Read More Tags: |
 July 2023An ADB study, under the SASEC Program, is exploring the potential of rail-based cargo movement between Bangladesh and India. The study aims to (i) identify infrastructure gaps, (ii) propose technology-based solutions for cargo and container movement, (iii) recommend regulatory reforms to facilitate freight train operations between the two countries, and (iv) explore the potential for transit cargo to and from Bhutan and Nepal. Read More Tags: |
 July 2023Bangladesh Railways plans to install an elephant warning system along its new rail tracks that can serve as an alert for slowing or stopping the trains along the new Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar Railway route in Bangladesh. The route passes through three forests that are the habitat of elephants. The railway project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program. Read More Tags: Rail, Bangladesh, Transport |
 June 2023ADB approved a project loan to support continuing reforms in Nepal customs. The financing assistance worth $50 million will enhance policy reforms in customs and logistics to help boost the country’s domestic and international trade. The program will help implement the Government of Nepal’s Customs Reform and Modernization Plan 2021-2026 and improve the country's trade logistics through the preparation and implementation of a new Trade Logistics Policy 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Customs |
 June 2023The trilateral power deal being discussed among the Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal is expected to be signed soon. The three-way agreement among the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), aims to enable Nepal to export an initial capacity of around 40 megawatts of power to Bangladesh via India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy |
 June 2023Mr. Tipu Munshi, Commerce Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, invited Bhutan to build an economic zone in Bangladesh to boost the trade relationship between the two countries. He also encouraged businesses from Bangladesh and Bhutan to lead the trade expansion by establishing strong relationships with each other to reap the benefits of their preferential trade and transit agreements. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Trade Facilitation, Private Sector |
 June 2023The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh received a visit from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). In a business-to-business network session, both sides discussed the promotion of tourism between both countries, remarking that historical and cultural links can be tapped. Sri Lanka aims to increase the number of visitors from Bangladesh to around 25,000 visitors by the end of this year. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tourism |
 June 2023Bhutan has rolled out a scheme that lowers the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for tourists who stay more than four nights in the country in a bid to further attract more visitors and entice them to stay longer. Under the new rules, tourists who pay the SDF for four days are allowed to stay an extra four days, while those who pay 12 days are allowed to stay for a full month. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Tourism |
June 2023 ADB approved the third tranche of the SASEC Chittagong-Cox's Bazar Railway Project, Phase 1, on 20 June 2023. The assistance worth $400 million forms part of the $1.5 billion loan to build a dual-gauge railway from Chattogram (Chittagong) to Cox's Bazar. Tranche 3 will help fund construction of the 102-kilometer (km) Dohazari-Cox's Bazar section, which will provide connectivity to the Matarbari Port. Read More Tags: Rail, Transport, Bangladesh, Ports |
 June 2023The BIMSTEC Business Conclave brought together business leaders and entrepreneurs from the BIMSTEC region. During the meeting, participants from the business sector highlighted the need to develop the Bhutan-Siliguri (India)-Bangladesh corridor. Siliguri in northern West Bengal, India, is strategically placed to boost trade in the region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Transport, BIMSTEC |
 June 2023The Government of Bangladesh has granted Bhutan access to 15 entry and exit points for the transit of goods, following the signing of the “Agreement on Movement of Traffic-in-Transit” in March 2023. The Government of Bhutan, in return, has designated 8 entry and exit points. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Transport |
 June 2023The India–European Union (EU) Connectivity Conference held in Meghalaya explored connectivity investments and identified potential projects for implementation in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India’s northeastern region, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, European Union |
 June 2023The Government of India has proposed the improvement and widening of the 134.9-kilometer section of National Highway 208, that stretches from Khowai to Harina in Tripura, India, to connect to Bangladesh’s Chattogram (Chittagong) port. The project will help enhance inter-state connectivity within India's northeastern region and promote connectivity for trade via Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, India |
 June 2023The Kamalasagar-Tarapur border haat on the border of Bangladesh and India is set to be reopened in July 2023 after four years of having been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More Tags: Border Haat, Bangladesh, India |
 June 2023The Fourth Session of the Maldives-Sri Lanka Joint Commission emphasized further expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, tourism, and health. It also urged implementation of existing agreements and decided to set up working groups. The meeting also agreed to facilitate trade and investments in Maldives. Read More Tags: Maldives, Sri Lanka |
 June 2023Cordelia Express, the first luxury cruise ship between India and Sri Lanka, was flagged off on 5 June 2023 from Chennai Port, India. It set sail for Hambantota Port, Sri Lanka, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, and sailed back to Chennai on 9 June. Mr. Jurgen Bailom, Chief Executive Officer of the Cordelia Express, noted that the cruise ship is set to carry 50,000 passengers from India to Sri Lanka in the next four months. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Transport, Tourism |
 June 2023India and Nepal have signed new agreements for hydropower, power trading, and trade and transit. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on 1 June 2023 during a visit to India by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Hydropower, Trade, Rail Transport |
 May 2023ADB approved a project loan to support upgrading work on the East–West Highway, which is part of the SASEC corridor. According to Ms. Sin Wai Chong, Transport Specialist for South Asia, ADB, the project will strengthen border trade and logistics, and will improve the lives of rural communities. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, SASEC, Road, ADB, South Asia |
 May 2023The fifth Bangladesh-Nepal joint steering committee (JSC) meeting on energy cooperation discussed greater bilateral cooperation in the power sector. Both countries agreed to undertake efforts to sign a tripartite agreement with India that would enable Nepal to export 40 MW of power to Bangladesh as early as the upcoming wet season (June-November) using the existing transmission infrastructure of the three countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy |
 May 2023Construction of the mega dry port at Pasakha, Phuentsholing, is on track, amid challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work on the dry port began in 2020 and has achieved almost 45% completion. The aim is to complete the dry port by mid-2026. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Bhutan, Logistics |
 May 2023Mr. Amit Shah, Home Minister of the Government of India, laid the foundation stone for the second cargo gate at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of Petrapole on 9 May 2023. This will enhance border connectivity in the busy ICP where around 30% of land-based trade between Bangladesh and India take place. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation |
 May 2023In the meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and His Excellency Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Excellency Queen Jetsun Pema, Prime Minister Hasina offered Bhutan the possibility of developing an economic zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck communicated Bhutan’s desire to establish direct transit with Bangladesh through India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic zone, Transport |
 May 2023Mr. Shixin Chen, Vice-President for South Asia and Central and West Asia at ADB, spoke at the SASEC knowledge event entitled "Green, Efficient, and Resilient Logistics for Sustainable Growth," which was attended by policymakers from SASEC countries. Read More Tags: South Asia, ADB, SASEC, Logistics |
 May 2023The meeting reviewed several priorities in energy cooperation, including joint development of cross-border trade projects and energy efficiency projects in Bangladesh, and tripartite investment of Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan in hydropower projects in Bhutan, and import of produced electricity to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 April 2023The Government of Bhutan has approved the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 28 April 2023. By joining the WTO, Bhutan will be able to take advantage of benefits, including special and differential treatment provisions for countries newly graduated from least developed country (LDC) status. Bhutan is set to graduate from LDC status in December 2023. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Trade Facilitation, WTO |
 April 2023The SASEC Highway Improvement Project was recognized for excellence in project management, gender and social inclusion, and environmental and social safeguards monitoring alongside other ADB projects by the Government of Nepal. Also awarded were Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project-Additional Financing, Rural Enterprise Financing Project, and Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement. Read More Tags: SASEC, Nepal, ADB, Road, South Asia, Energy |
 April 2023India's National Logistics Policy was launched in September 2022 to reduce logistics cost in the country by facilitating seamless movement of goods. Various sectors–such as agriculture, commodities, and e-commerce–are projected to benefit from the policy. Read More Tags: India, Value Chains, Logistics |
 April 2023Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of State for Shipping of the Government of Bangladesh, stated that transit and transshipment of cargo between Bangladesh and India’s northeastern region via Chattogram (Chittagong) port will start soon. The Statutory Regulatory Order, required for the movement of cargo from Bangladesh to India, is set to be issued by the country’s National Board of Revenue. Read More Tags: |
 April 2023Japan has proposed the development of a new industrial hub for the Bay of Bengal region. The hub, planned to be built in Bangladesh, will be equipped with supply chains that are connected to India's northeastern region. It will also be linked to Bhutan and Nepal through a planned port and transportation infrastructure. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Economic corridor, Japan |
 April 2023The Sri Lanka Navy has undertaken facility expansion of the Kankesanthurai harbor, in support of the passenger ferry service launch between Sri Lanka and India. The Navy will build a passenger terminal for immigration and customs clearance. These improvements aim to help increase traffic and provide better infrastructure.
Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Transport |
 April 2023The Governments of India and Nepal have agreed to allow Indian tourists in Nepal to make digital payments using Indian e-wallets. Mr. Naveen Srivastava, India’s Ambassador to Nepal, stated that the proposed agreement would help boost Nepal’s travel and tourism industry. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Tourism |
 April 2023The Government of India is constructing an Integrated Checkpost (ICP) at Alay, Pasakha, Bhutan, to ease the movement of goods and people between Bhutan and India. Located between the busy trading points of Jaigaon, India, and Phuentsholing, Bhutan, the ICP aims to promote further trade between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2023The visit of His Excellency King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi advanced the bilateral cooperation of the two countries, addressing matters of mutual interest and sketching a roadmap for the next steps. The meeting discussed various priorities, including hydropower cooperation and connectivity. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Trade |
 April 2023The 10th land port between Bangladesh and India at Dawki, Meghalaya, India, was inaugurated on 4 May 2023 by Mr. Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs of the Government of India. The port houses various facilities, including passenger and cargo terminal buildings, warehouse, canteen, toilet blocks for export drivers, and sewage treatment plant. Read More Tags: |
 April 2023Watch the video about how the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project creates economic opportunities to help provide access to social services. The project, committed in 2011, has expanded roads and gave rural communities access to one of Nepal's major trade corridors. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Road, SASEC, South Asia |
March 2023 The ongoing construction of the Agartala (India)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) international railway connectivity project has reached over 88% completion. The work is expected to be finished in the next 5-6 months, according to Mr. Sushanta Chowdhury, Tripura transport minister. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Transport, Rail |
March 2023 India and Sri Lanka are set to begin a passenger ferry service in April 2023. The ferry service between Karaikal, Puducherry, India, and Kankesanthurai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, will commence on 29 April under the new passenger ferry program. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Transport, Shipping |
 March 2023The Governments of Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the "Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and Protocol" on 22 March 2023 in Thimphu, Bhutan. This will open multimodal transit facilities to landlocked Bhutan, providing them access to Mongla, Payra, and Chattogram ports of Bangladesh for the movement of their imported and export-oriented goods. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Transit, Transport, Trade Facilitation, Ports |
 March 2023Foreign direct investment is effective in promoting economic development according to International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, speaking at the webinar "Into the Centenary Year: ICC Court visits ICC Bangladesh." Bangladesh is South Asia's second-largest economy and is slated to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category in November 2026. Read More Tags: FDI, Bangladesh, SASEC, Economic Corridor Development |
March 2023 Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remarked that India can utilize Bangladesh's Chattogram and Sylhet ports. She stressed the need to boost connectivity to further grow the region’s trade and commerce and enhance people to people linkages. Access to the two ports would mutually benefit both countries, stressed the Prime Minister. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ports, Trade, Transport |
 March 2023The Governments of India and Nepal held the 14th meeting of the bilateral Power Exchange Committee on 17 March 2023. The meeting agreed to enable Nepal to export power to multiple Indian states through the transmission infrastructure in Bihar (India). A modality will be formulated in this regard. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 March 2023Road development is fundamental to boosting economic activity in Nepal and is a key element for strengthening growth and social inclusion. This case study undertaken by ADB looks at the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project and how it is improving access to goods and services, facilitating trade and cooperation, creating opportunities for small business owners, and empowering women in rural communities. Read More Tags: Road Transport, Nepal, ADB, Trade |
 March 2023The Asian Development Bank (ADB) submitted a feasibility study on the North East Economic Corridor. Features of the report include emphasis on development of transport, urban, and energy infrastructures, as enablers for equitable economic development for India's northeastern region. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Economic corridor |
 March 2023Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, proposed exploring the possibilities of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal to increase bilateral trade. He noted that there is a huge potential for mutual cooperation between the two countries in areas including energy, tourism, education, migration, and connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 March 2023Watch the video about how the Joydevpur-Elenga-Hatkumrul-Rangpur-Burimari-Banglabandha road benefits local communities and helps facilitate trade with Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The project, committed in 2013, is being undertaken with support from the Asian Develop Bank and is part of SASEC Corridor 4. The Joydevpur-Elenga section was completed in 2022, while improvement work to the Elenga–Rangpur Road is ongoing. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Transport |
 February 2023Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB President, conveyed to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi ADB's intention to scale up assistance to the country over the next five years to support India in meeting its priority development needs. He noted that ADB is willing to provide $20 billion–$25 billion in resources to further India's aspirations for fast, inclusive, and green growth. Read More Tags: ADB, India |
February 2023 The Governments of India and Nepal held the 10th joint steering committee meeting of Nepal-India Energy Secretary-level. Discussions were held on important issues including expanding existing, under-construction, and proposed transmission lines. India has also responded positively to Nepal's request to allow export of 50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via India as per export-import guidelines if a specific proposal is submitted. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Bangladesh |
 February 2023Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, met with Mr. Masud bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh. They agreed to further strengthen ongoing bilateral cooperation, in areas of trade and investment, connectivity, power and energy and people-to-people ties. They also agreed to enhance their cooperation and consultations on regional and international issues of shared interest. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Hydropower |
 February 2023The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of the Government of India has amended Circular 29/2020-Customs to allow the transshipment of Bangladesh export cargo to third countries via Delhi Air Cargo beginning 15 February 2023. Previously, air transshipment of Bangladesh export cargo to third countries was conducted only via the Kolkata air cargo complex. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation |
 February 2023A memorandum of understanding on linking India and Sri Lanka’s electricity grids could soon be signed to be followed by a feasibility study, according to Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India. India and Sri Lanka revived talks on linking their electricity grids in the first quarter of 2022. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, India, Energy |
 February 2023Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, met with Mr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. He also held discussions with Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, and Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of the Government of India, on a range of issues, including bilateral trade and commerce. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Tourism |
 February 2023India will help Bhutan develop its third international internet gateway. According to the Embassy of India in Bhutan, as part of their growing digital partnership, the Government of India will facilitate a concessional rate to bring down the cost of operations of the gateway. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, ICT |
 January 2023Mr. S. Jaishnakar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, met with Mr. Ali Sabry, Foreign Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka. They discussed cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, industry, and health. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Energy, Tourism |
 January 2023The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, will receive a loan to expand the terminal’s container handling capacity and attract vessels operating on important international shipping lanes. The Nhava Sheva Container Terminal Financing Project, signed by the ADB and Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Private Limited, is a $131 million financing package. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Shipping, Ports, Transport |
 January 2023India External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during his visit to Maldives. They jointly participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo international airport project. Read More Tags: Maldives, India, Transport, Airports |
 January 2023A special tour will be operated by the Indian Railways showcasing pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya, India, and Janakpur, Nepal, in February. The "Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” is an initiative that will strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural relations between India and Nepal, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Tourism, Transport |
January 2023 Bangladesh has opened its Banglabandha Land Port for the import of acrylic yarn from Nepal, ending a 17-year-long restriction. A statutory regulatory order was issued by Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue on the matter. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 January 2023A bilateral meeting on electricity cooperation was held between Bangladesh and India. The meeting discussed the continued growth of Bangladesh's power sector and increasing demand for electricity in the country. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, sought Indian cooperation to allow Bangladesh to import hydropower from Bhutan and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy |
 January 2023The Government of Bangladesh plans to upgrade its northernmost airport, the Saidpur airport in Nilphamari, into an international airport. Saidpur airport can be a key transit point to boost connectivity between Bangladesh and its BIN neighbors—Bhutan, India’s northeastern region, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Airports, Air Transport, Transport |
