Press Release

Recognizing the importance of connectivity for expansion of economic cooperation, the Transport Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal signed the “Motor Vehicles Agreement for Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal” (BBIN MVA), on 15th June 2015 in Thimphu.

While the other three countries have already ratified the Agreement, the Royal Government of Bhutan is in the process of completing its internal procedures for ratification, to address the concerns raised by the domestic stakeholders.

In the meanwhile, to facilitate the early implementation of BBIN MVA, the Royal Government has decided to give its consent for the entry into force of the Agreement among the three member states (Bangladesh, India and Nepal) without any obligation to Bhutan. The Agreement will enter into force for Bhutan after its ratification process is completed.

The Royal Government views BBIN as a platform, encompassing key areas such as energy, trade, information, communication and technology. Strengthening regional cooperation is especially significant for a landlocked country like Bhutan and, therefore, the Royal Government remains fully committed to the BBIN process including BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement.