Bangladesh and Bhutan Express Interest in Joint Solar and Hydropower Investments

During the meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, productive discussions were held regarding bilateral trade, investment expansion, and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Both parties placed particular emphasis on exploring joint ventures in renewable energy sectors, specifically solar and hydropower.

During the session, the Commerce Minister pointed out that despite South Asian nations possessing a collective GDP of approximately $59 trillion, mutual trade remains disappointingly low at nearly 1%. He emphasized that establishing effective economic partnerships among neighboring countries is essential to unlocking this vast potential. The Minister further noted that setting up hydropower plants across short distances in border areas could be highly profitable and beneficial for both nations in securing energy needs.

Congratulating Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on his appointment as Commerce Minister, the Bhutanese Ambassador highlighted the historic and close commercial ties between the two nations. She noted that since the distance from Bangladesh’s Burimari border to Bhutan is only 100 kilometers, business, trade, and investment activities are exceptionally convenient. The Ambassador also mentioned that Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in Bangladeshi medical colleges are returning home to serve their country, which further strengthens the cultural and social bonds between the two nations. Senior officials, including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and the Minister Counselor of Bhutan, were also present at the meeting.