The joint working group (JWG) on sub-regional cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal Saturday explored the scope for power trade and inter-grid connectivity between the four countries, an official statement said.
The delegations from the participating countries discussed potential for closer cooperation at a sub-regional level in water resources management, power and hydro-power as well as in connectivity and transit.
In the two-day meeting that concluded Saturday, the four countries agreed to collaborate in harnessing water resources, including hydro-power and power, from other sources available in the sub-region.
"The JWG reviewed the existing cooperation in this sector and discussed the scope for power trade and inter-grid connectivity between the four countries as well as potential for closer cooperation in future power projects," said the statement.
The representatives also deliberated on the need for trade facilitation at land border stations for effective sub-regional connectivity.
Usefulness of sharing trade infrastructure at land border stations and harmonization of customs procedures were also discussed.
The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (North) Abhay Thakur and Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan from the ministry of external affairs.
The next meeting of the JWG would be held in Bangladesh later this year.
