Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi yesterday laid emphasis on the singing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

“Nepal is a close friend of Bangladesh. There is a possibility of increasing trade between the two countries. It is possible to increase trade through signing PTA. The road communication between Bangladesh and Nepal has been opened. Railway will also be launched,” he said.

The minister said this when a Nepalese delegation, led by Industry, Commerce and Supplies Affairs Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal, called on him at the Commerce Ministry in the city, said a press release.

Tipu said the ‘Bangladesh-Nepal Trade and Economic Cooperation Meeting’ is being held in Dhaka and there will be a detailed discussion on the signing of this agreement in the meeting.