 March 2024 |
 February 2024Mr. Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, has emphasized the importance of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with Bhutan for the import of hydropower during a meeting with Mr. Rinchen Kuentsyl, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh. Dr. Mahmud also encouraged Bhutan to reconsider its participation in the BBIN initiative. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement |
 September 2022Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions highlighted several developments in bilateral relations in trade and connectivity, power and energy, and people-to-people linkages. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Transport, BBIN, Energy |
 May 2022Mr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, highlighted in his inaugural address at the Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) Asian Confluence River Conclave 2022 the importance of connectivity. He underscored that the coming together of the “Act East” and the “Neighborhood First” policies have an enormous impact extending beyond South Asia. Read More Tags: India, BBIN, Act East Policy, Neighborhood First Policy, Myanmar, Connectivity, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 May 2022The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing a proposal to construct a 400-kilovolt transmission line along the Postal Highway. The proposed transmission line could be an alternative to the 400kV transmission line being built along the East-West Highway. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, India, BBIN |
 March 2022The Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal held a meeting on the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) on 7-8 March 2022 in New Delhi, India. The meeting discussed the Passenger and Cargo Protocols of the BBIN MVA Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport |
 September 2021Increasing transport connectivity is key to regional integration and intraregional trade, according to Mr. Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, South Asia Department, Asian Development Bank. He said the development of a regional framework is needed to harmonize policy, procedures, and practice among countries in the Bay of Bengal subregion. Read More Tags: BBIN, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation, Transport |
 April 2021The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has launched the Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET) on its platform. The IEX aims to provide the most competitive benchmark for power prices and valuable signals for the value chain. It will work closely with designated nodal agencies for cross border electricity trade to facilitate inter-country power trade through the exchange market. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Trade, Hydropower, BBIN |
 April 2021Connectivity among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal in the last couple of years has improved bilateral relations in the fields of trade, business, culture, and education and research. Speakers noted the importance of increasing cultural relations and other forms of regional cooperation among SAARC countries, as well as of further developing road and rail connectivity. Read More Tags: BBIN, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, Trade |
 March 2021India Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Bangladesh on 26-27 March 2021 to join celebrations for the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh and India are also commemorating 50 years since the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, BBIN, Connectivity, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 March 2021An official meeting between Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 24 March 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, emphasized boosting trade, connectivity, and cooperation in energy between the two South Asian nations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Trade, Connectivity, BBIN, Energy |
 March 2021The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation on 22 March 2021. SPS, as well as technical barriers to trade (TBT), serves as critical nontariff measures that constrain trade in the SASEC subregion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary |
 December 2020The virtual summit held by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed their bilateral relationship amid the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They also jointly inaugurated the newly restored railway link between Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh), and agreed to soon operationalize the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, Trade, Health |
 October 2020A webinar organized by CUTS International on 30 October 2020 deliberated the findings of the project, ‘Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Subregion.’ The work undertaken by CUTS reveals that the absence of gender responsive trade facilitation measures helps exacerbate gender inequality. Read More Tags: BBIN, Gender, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 February 2020Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) met in New Delhi, India, on 8 February 2020 to discuss and push for the finalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, |
 November 2019The Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal (BBIN) Chamber of Commerce was launched in New Delhi, India, to foster connections and develop trade and commerce among the partner countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2019Infrastructure bottlenecks will need to be removed to effectively implement the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement. According to Mr. Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, addressing the many short-term challenges would bring long-term benefits and result in a win-win situation for all member countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 August 2018India began implementation of the United Nations TIR Convention to transform the country’s trade and transport by activating regional connectivity and advancing global trade prospects. The TIR Convention provides global access to markets, connecting India to the wider TIR network that includes Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia and Central Asia. Read More Tags: BBIN, Customs, IMT-MVA, India, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Trade Facilitation Agreement, Transport, WTO |
 April 2018Bangladesh, India, and Nepal conducted a trial bus service run on 24-25 April 2018. Two buses left Dhaka, Bangladesh, for Kathmandu, Nepal, carrying delegates from the three countries and the ADB. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement enables the bus service. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, BBIN, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport |
March 2018 As Bangladesh's economy expands, its demand for energy also increases. The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy projects that by 2030, the country's electricity demand will reach around 34,000 megawatts. In this commentary, Mr. Promod Rijal, senior economist at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies in Nepal, explains how transboundary energy trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through India will help Bangladesh meet its energy needs. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, BBIN |
 February 2018This video showcases how innovations for trade facilitation have enabled businesses in the BBIN subregion to tap into regional value chains and flourish globally. More developments in facilitating trade and enhancing connectivity are planned and underway to help boost trade, enhance regional integration, and promote economic opportunities. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2018Rapid economic growth and increasing populations pose challenges to the South Asian region’s energy security. Increasing energy cooperation among South Asian countries will help ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the entire region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, BBIN, BIMSTEC, Energy, Regional Cooperation, Hydropower, SAARC |
 June 2017Mr. Prabir De, Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, discusses how the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregional grouping’s focus to bridge connectivity gaps is crucial to reducing poverty in the region. He highlights the pressing need to begin implementing comprehensive trade facilitation and connectivity measures in the BBIN subregion, and remarks how success of the BBIN initiative is important to move broader regional integration initiative Read More Tags: Connectivity, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2017The International Trade Centre's Trade Map reports an increase in intraregional trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion in 2016, from $21.65 billion in 2015 to $23.52 billion. The ratio of BBIN intraregional trade to world trade went up from 2.98% in 2015 to 3.34% in 2016. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Energy, Trade |
 June 2017The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, is preparing a study on energy trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion, examining how market forces, networks, and stakeholders interact. In this commentary, Mr. Aditya Valiathan Pillai, program officer of the Asia Foundation in India, discusses the creation of an energy market in South Asia and the growing importance of regional electricity trade in helping mitigate carbon emissions. Read More Tags: South Asia, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 June 2017The Nepal-Bangladesh Youth Conference 2017 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, to discuss possible ways to increase bilateral trade between Nepal and Bangladesh. The environment and the economic and business sectors were among the topics tackled at the conference. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Regional Cooperation, Trade Facilitation |
 June 2017An electronic tracking system will soon ease traffic-in-transit for cargo traveling by road and rail from Kolkata to four major Customs points of Nepal, including the Raxaul route. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Customs Commissioner, India, and Mr. Rabi Shanker Sainju, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary, Nepal, signed a memorandum of intent to pilot the tracking system for a trial period of at least 90 days in late 2017. Read More Tags: Electronic Cargo Tracking System, ADB, SASEC, Nepal, India, BBIN, Customs, Road, Rail, Transport |
 February 2017Good connectivity reduces the cost of doing business and increases the competitive strengths of trading partners. In this commentary, Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue, highlights how a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement and an effective Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement would promote South Asian integration and step up Asia-wide cooperation. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Economic corridor |
 February 2017The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to assist Bangladesh in its efforts to improve transport and energy connectivity. Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB, affirmed that ADB will continue to support Bangladesh in its goal of becoming a developed country by 2041, as well as in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and minimizing climate change impact. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Cooperation, Development, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Energy, Investment, Nepal |
 January 2017India is set to join the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or International Road Transport Convention in its bid to establish seamless trade connectivity with Southeast Asia and Eurasian countries. Through the TIR Convention, India could access Eurasia via the International North-South Transport Corridor. TIR would also give India an advantage in trade with fellow signatories of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Connectivity, Customs, Economic corridor, Harmonization, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Road, Roads, Trade Facilitation, Trade, Transport, BBIN |
 December 2016Least Developed Countries (LDCs) comprise around 880 million people yet account for less than 2% of the world gross domestic product. South Asian countries can accelerate economic development and graduate from the LDC category by working with each other. The economic future of their people could change radically through collaboration between the countries and lift millions of people out of poverty. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade, UNCTAD |
 November 2016Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali highlighted the potential joint development of hydropower projects between Bangladesh and Bhutan during discussions with Bhutan Ambassador to Bangladesh Sonam Tobden Rabgye. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy, BBIN |
 November 2016Government officials of Bangladesh and Nepal will conduct a joint survey on a potential road route under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA), starting from5 December 2016. It will check road conditions, length of travel, and necessary infrastructure to ensure seamless movement of vehicles. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 November 2016The National Council of Bhutan voted against ratification of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) at a session held on 15 November 2016. Council members delivered thirteen “no” votes, two “yes”, and five abstentions. Read More Tags: Bhutan, BBIN, Transport |
 October 2016A new Customs inspection and verification procedure is changing how trade is conducted among South Asian countries. Through the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, cargo and passenger vehicles may now pass through the four countries more smoothly. The simplified process greatly benefits apparel-centric economies, making South Asia more competitive for both global and domestic brands. Read More Tags: BBIN, Customs, Trade Facilitation, Garments, Imports, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, India, Nepal |
 September 2016Customs-free borders for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal will save time and money for importers and exporters and thereby increase the ease of doing business, according to an executive of the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO). Because goods no longer have to be unloaded at the border, trucks can easily cross borders, reducing time and logistics costs for both buyer and seller. Read More Tags: BBIN, Customs, Trade, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India |
 September 2016A new chapter in trade relations and people-to-people contact between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) began on 5 September 2016, as a Bangladeshi cargo truck rolled into the Customs Inland Container Depot, Patparganj, Delhi. Though the vehicle entered India through Petrapole Land Customs Station, Customs clearance was done at the ICD, Patparganj, as part of a trial run of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 August 2016Bangladesh is pushing for the development of railway corridors with India to facilitate trade and investment among BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) countries. To help boost regional trade, Bangladesh Railway is looking to revive five routes to India, and build railway links to connect with Bhutan and Nepal. Read More Tags: Transport, Rail, Bangladesh, India, BBIN |
 August 2016The Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, has ordered upgrading of the Banglabandha Land Port to cater to rising trade with Nepal. This includes improving and building new loading and unloading sheds, and other needed infrastructure, such as warehouses, vehicle parking, and the road leading to the port. Read More Tags: Shipping, Bangladesh, Nepal, Transport, BBIN |
 August 2016River management provides opportunities to release regenerative capacities of the people and environment of basin-wide areas. The following article suggests South Asian countries cooperate to fulfill a promise of greater sustainability. Cooperation in water resource management can serve as a catalyst for broader regional cooperation, economic integration, and development. Read More Tags: BBIN, Rivers, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Transport |
 July 2016Implementation of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) may start in December, according to Bangladesh Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, while speaking at a closing ceremony of a drivers' training on road safety. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 July 2016The BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) is making it easier for passengers and freight vehicles in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to travel around the region. BBIN finalized the MVA in an effort to facilitate cross-border trade and travel in South Asia. A BBIN Business Forum sees energy and water cooperation playing a vital role in taking integration even further in the region. Read More Tags: India, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport, BBIN |
 June 2016Meetings between Customs officials from SASEC member countries reaps benefits for the SASEC subregion and beyond, providing a platform for officers to decide the next steps in improving cross-border coordination and cooperation to resolve bottlenecks for trade at the borders. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) blog post by Ms. Rose McKenzie, Senior Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Regional Department, ADB, is shared. Read More Tags: Customs, Trade Facilitation, Regional Cooperation, ICT, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal |
 June 2016Bhutan's National Assembly ratified the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA) on 21 June 2016 with 28 votes. Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reiterated that the BBIN MVA would regulate cross-border movement of vehicles in the subregion through formulation of protocols. Implementation of the BBIN MVA will help strengthen Bhutan's existing ties with India, and boost cooperation and integration within the subregion. Read More Tags: Bhutan, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 June 2016Good relations, regional connectivity, and cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) countries boost trade and business in South Asia, said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 18 June 2016. Read More Tags: Cooperation, Bangladesh, Trade, BBIN |
 June 2016The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement is a landmark framework agreement signed by the transport ministers of the BBIN countries last June 2015 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Mr. Ronald Butiong, Director, Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Regional Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), describes how it is paving the way for a more integrated and more prosperous South Asian region in an ADB blog entry. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 May 2016Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali paid a courtesy call on the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The King lauded Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's initiatives to boost Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral relations, and emphasized the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) cooperation as a platform to achieve regional prosperity. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, BBIN, India, Nepal, Transport, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2016 |
 May 2016A Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) economic zone may be declared in an upcoming BBIN seminar and business expo to be held in Siliguri, India, according to Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Mr. Ahmad was in Thimphu, Bhutan to discuss the upcoming BBIN seminar, as well as opportunities for trade and investment between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Read More Tags: Economic zone, BBIN, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016A World Customs Organization (WCO) Subregional Workshop on Transit Corridors in South Asia considered improvement of regional transit regimes in the region. Progress of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement, as well as national experiences of Japan, Switzerland and Malawi in implementing efficient transit regimes, was discussed. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Transport, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016A railway agreement in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) subregion is being proposed, in line with expansion of railway links boosting connectivity between India's Northeast and its BBIN neighbors. According to Mr. Mukul Kumar, Director (Transport), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, this initiative will facilitate cross-border transport of goods and people, and enable efficient multimodal transport system to integrate and sustain the region's economic growth. Read More Tags: BBIN, Rail, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on neighboring countries to cooperate in the Bangladesh Government's efforts to become a developed nation. In a meeting with India's Minister of State on Independent Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Prime Minister Hasina emphasized Bangladesh's focus on promoting connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Regional Cooperation, Special Economic Zone, BBIN |
 April 2016A Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) dialogue on promoting trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion has discussed intraregional trade in South Asia, which remains under 5% despite implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. According to MCCI, non-tariff measures manifested as non-tariff barriers and para-tariff barriers lead to high transaction costs in cross-border trade, keeping trade volume low. Read More Tags: Trade, BBIN, SAFTA, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016Dr. Pritam Banerjee, Senior Director, Corporate Public Policy (South Asia), Deutsche Post DHL, reported that the first trial run of cargo vehicles on the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala route under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional framework, enabled a better understanding of future needs and solutions for safe and efficient movement of cargo across BBIN borders. Read More Tags: Private Sector, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, India, Bangladesh |
 March 2016Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the inauguration of an additional 100 megawatt electricity supply from India's Tripura state to Bangladesh's Comilla state, and the leasing of 10 GBPS of internet bandwidth from Bangladesh to India's Agartala state on 23 March 2016. Both Prime Ministers lauded Bangladesh-India cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, ICT, Energy, BBIN |
 March 2016Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, in a meeting with outgoing Bhutan Ambassador to Bangladesh Pema Choden, highlighted how implementation of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) will expand the scope of trade and investment in the subregion. They also discussed how bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan could be enhanced. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Transport, Motor Vehicles Agreement |
 March 2016Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction over the growing engagement between Bangladesh and Bhutan. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal initiative, according to the Prime Minister, further widens the scope of cooperation between the two countries. The Queen of Bhutan likewise expressed the hope that bilateral relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Regional Cooperation |
 January 2016The third meeting of the Joint Working Group on Subregional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Connectivity and Transit and Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower deliberated new initiatives for deepening cooperation. Discussion centered around progress made under the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and the proposed BBIN Rail Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2016A proposed meeting of SAARC Transport Ministers in Kathmandu, Nepal aims to discuss the SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement and SAARC Regional Railway Agreement, ahead of the 19th SAARC Summit to be held in the latter part of 2016 in Pakistan. The proposed regional transit agreements aim to promote transport connectivity in the region, and to enhance regional economic cooperation and integration. Read More Tags: SAARC, Transport, Trade Facilitation, BBIN, Nepal |
 December 2015The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Friendship Motor Rally which began on 14 November 2015 in India's Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, concluded on 2 December 2015 in Kolkata, West Bengal. The 19-day 4,500-kilometer car rally was held to promote the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) and strengthen ties in the BBIN subregion. According to Road Transport and Highways Secretary Vijay Chhibber, the BBIN MVA will drive growth in the right direction for all four participating countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport |
 December 2015A 2-day meeting between Bangladesh and Bhutan headed by Commerce Secretaries discussed several bilateral concerns, including increasing products on the duty-free import/export list of both countries, potential hydropower imports from Bhutan to Bangladesh, Customs cooperation, and road and water transport agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Customs, Trade Facilitation, Transport, BBIN |
 November 2015A seminar organized by Kalinga Motor Sports, with support from the Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and India and funding from the Asian Development Bank, discussed the importance of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement for regional connectivity and the recent decision of the Parliament of Bhutan to defer its endorsement. The Ambassadors of Bangladesh and India spoke on the occasion, calling on Bhutan's Parliament to endorse and ratify the agreement. Read More Tags: Bhutan, BBIN, Transport |
 November 2015A Meeting for the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA)on 3-4 December 2015 will finalize the transit fees for goods and passenger vehicles, and discuss other issues, said Bangladesh Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader. Transport of passengers and goods under the BBIN MVA will formally start in January 2016, with initial restrictions in place. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 November 2015The Government of India flagged off the first cargo truck under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA) on 1 November 2015 for a trial run from Kolkata, West Bengal to Agartala, Tripura, passing through Dhaka, Bangladesh. The cargo vehicle traveled a distance of only around 640 kilometers, compared to its longertraditional route of 1,550 km. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, India |
 October 2015A 2-day international conference on energy organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies emphasized the need for regional and subregional cooperation to fulfill growing energy needs in South Asia and promote energy security. Former Power Secretary of India, Mr. RV Shahi, underscored how recent efforts in energy cooperation have already started yielding results in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion. Read More Tags: Energy, SAARC, BBIN |
 September 2015The Asian Development Bank has approved additional financing for a SASEC transport project that supports preparation of high-priority railway and road projects in Bangladesh along the Trans-Asian Railway and the Asian Highway network. These transport projects will enhance cross-border traffic, expanding connectivity in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion and forming links between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, Rail, Ports, BBIN |
 September 2015The technical committees of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) wrapped up a two-day meeting for the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) protocol negotiations on 9 September 2015. The Meeting initiated negotiations, reaching agreement on guidelines on cross-border movement of passenger and cargo vehicles. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 September 2015The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Bangladesh is hosting a two-day Secretary-level meeting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) to discuss the protocols of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division, MoRTB, said Bangladesh will allow cross-border cargo transport on roads connected to functional land ports. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Transport |
 September 2015The Government of Bangladesh will develop the country's land ports to spur regional trade, undertaking around $84.76 million worth of projects to improve land port infrastructure, warehouse facilities, Customs control procedures, and the institutional and regulatory framework. This initiative will facilitate more efficient movement of goods by cutting border-crossing times to and from Bangladesh, toward Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, BBIN |
 August 2015A meeting of Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Bangladesh Export Policy 2015-2018. The new export policy highlights increasing trade with Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and targets $60 billion in annual export turnover by 2021. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, BBIN |
 August 2015Read a commentary on the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) as positive development for the BBIN subregional grouping. The BBIN MVA is a landmark framework agreement that aims to facilitate seamless flow of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic between and among the BBIN countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2015With the recent approval of the regional transit deal among four nations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal – traffic volume will take a further upturn. The Government of Bangladesh plans to build a ‘Dhaka Bypass’ at about US$30.87 million under a public-private partnership initiative to improve traffic congestion in the overcrowded city. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, BBIN, Transport |
 June 2015Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal formed a subregional grouping under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Framework, and signed a Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) allowing seamless transit across each other's territories at the Meeting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Transport Ministers on Regional Road Transport Connectivity. Several commentaries from across the region have been published on the BBIN MVA, and are shared below. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, BBIN, Transport |
 June 2015Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay remarked on the strong commitment shown by the transport ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal in facilitating transport and increasing regional integration between the four countries, during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Transport Ministers Meeting on Regional Road Connectivity in Thimphu, Bhutan. The Prime Minister said the signed Motor Vehicles Agreement sends a strong message to SAARC and addresse Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, SAARC |
 June 2015The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) transport ministers met in Thimphu, Bhutan on 15 June 2015 to endorse and sign the Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN MVA). The BBIN MVA facilitates land transport arrangements among the four countries. Read More Tags: ADB, BBIN, Transport |
 May 2015In a move toward subregional cooperation, transport ministers of four South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal – will meet in Thimphu, Bhutan on 15 June 2015 to sign the Motor Vehicles Agreement. This will allow seamless movement of vehicles through their borders, similar to European Union countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, SAARC |
