, Jan. 15 -- Bangladesh and Nepal have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, focusing on finalising a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), easing visa facilitation and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The issues were discussed at the 8th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting between the two countries held at a city hotel in Dhaka from January 13-14.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman while the Nepal side was headed by Commerce Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ways to increase market access for goods from both countries, facilitate payment systems and strengthen reliable transaction mechanisms to boost bilateral trade.

The co...