Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed his country’s interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and establishing connectivity between the economic zones of the two countries.

He conveyed the interest during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in New York on Friday.

This initiative will add a new dimension to trade and investment, Tobgay said.

Welcoming the proposal, Yunus noted that trade and investment could take Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral relations to new heights.

The Bhutanese prime minister said their special economic zone “Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)” could be linked with the special economic zone allocated for Bhutanese investors in Kurigram, which would bring substantial benefits for both countries.

The chief adviser stressed the need for both countries to explore all opportunities to expand trade and investment.

Tobgay also highlighted Bhutan’s plan to promote religious tourism, saying Bangladeshi Buddhist monks could visit Bhutan, which would play an important role in boosting tourism.

He further said Bhutan wants to harness its hydropower potential for Bangladesh. At the same time, his government is keen to welcome Bangladeshi investment in Bhutan’s pharmaceutical sector. He also sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in establishing fiber optic connectivity.

The Rohingya crisis also came up during the discussion. Tobgay said Bhutan will take part in the upcoming UN plenary session on the Rohingya issue scheduled for September 30.

Praising Yunus’ leadership, Tobgay said Bangladesh is now “under the right leadership.” He affectionately addressed Yunus as “my professor.”

He also lauded the design of Bangladesh’s newly inaugurated chancery building in Thimphu, which was built with the theme Bay of Bengal at the foothills of the Himalayas.

During the meeting, the chief adviser invited the Bhutanese prime minister to visit Bangladesh. Tobgay accepted the invitation, saying he would likely make the visit before Bangladesh’s next national election, expected in February.