Nepal keen to use Bangladeshi ports

Nepal expressed its willingness to use Bangladeshi ports in international trade to reduce its dependence on Kolkata port.

This was observed Thursday by Nepal's Ambassador in Bangladesh Dr. Banshidhar Mishra during a courtesy call on FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu at the FBCCI office in Dhaka, according to an FBCCI press release.

"Mentioning the complexities of using Kolkata port in international trade, the ambassador said Nepal is keen to use the ports of Bangladesh," the press release said.

Ambassador Mishra also said the two countries have huge potential in hydropower and commodity trade.

During the meeting, the ambassador mentioned the various complications of multiple visas for Bangladeshis visiting Nepal, said the press release.

He expressed the hope that with the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, these complications will be reduced.

Dr. Mishra called for keeping Nepal in the discussion of the Ganges water agreement, as two-thirds of the river's water comes from Nepal during the dry season.

The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for Bangladesh's cooperation in the 2015 earthquake and the recent Corona epidemic.

He called on Bangladeshis to invest in the hydropower sector, saying Nepal is the second-most promising country in the world after Brazil, it mentioned.

During the meeting the FBCCI Senior Vice President said Nepal can import these surplus potatoes from Bangladesh at comparatively low prices.

FBCCI vice-president MA Momen called for research on the potential and vulnerabilities of bilateral trade.

FBCCI Vice President Md. Amin Helali and CEO Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque were also present on the occasion.