Kathmandu, December 4:

The embassy of Bangladesh here in association with the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh has organized a four-day ‘Bangladesh Single Country Fair 2008’. Upendra Yadav, Minister for Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the fair. Minister for Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato also attended the ceremony.

The ministers at the inauguration remarked on the close political relations between the two countries and stressed on continued interaction between businesses communities of both nations to promote existing trade relationships.

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Nepal Imitiaz Ahmed hoped the fair would encourage the business community of both countries to accelerate trade and economic cooperation. He added that the fair was an opportunity to Nepali people and the country’s business community to sample quality Bangladeshi products at internationally competitive prices.

Pointing out that Bangladesh and Nepal share common views on many regional and international issues of mutual concern and that they are the members of SAARC and BIMSTEC, envoy Ahmed said the two countries signed agreements relating to trade and transit in 1976. This laid the foundation for the promotion of bilateral trade as well as facilitation of transit trade.

He added, “Bilateral trade between the two countries has not been reflective of the existing excellent political relations. Both have much in common and there are ample opportunities to develop a much stronger relationship.”

Around 37 Bangladeshi business firms are participating with products ranging from sarees and handloom products, readymade garments, jute products, melamine products, handicrafts, naklshi, kantha, bedcovers, wall mats, jute bags, artificial flowers, leather goods, knitted and woven items, cosmetics and toiletries as well as herbal beauty products, among others. The fair will continue till December 7.