Commerce minister Tipu Munshi. — File photo.

Commerce minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday said that the government was trying to increase benefits by signing agreements, like free trade agreement or preferential trade agreement, with various countries to move ahead in competitive trade after least-developed country graduation.

‘Bangladesh signed the first PTA with Bhutan, which came into effect in last July. This will benefit both countries commercially,’ he said while meeting with ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsy at his secretariat office in the city, said a press release.

Tipu informed that students from different countries, including Bhutan, study in various educational institutions, including medical colleges and engineering universities in Bangladesh.

He urged Bhutan to assist in expanding Bangladesh’s education sector so that more foreign students can take international standard education from the country.

Rinchen Kuentsy sought cooperation in exporting fruits to Bangladesh.

‘Bhutan exports oranges to Bangladesh. Now is the fruit season. If you cooperate in this case, the fruit import will be normal,’ he added.

He said that Bhutan exported high quality mineral water and Bhutan was interested in exporting mineral water to Bangladesh market.