As Bangladesh and Nepal look forward to finalizing a preferential trade agreement soon. Bangladesh has demanded zero-duty benefit on export of 140 products to Nepal, reports Daily Star. Bangladesh sought duty-free benefit for export of garment items, including men's T-shirts, knitwear and children's clothes, fruit juice, cement and agro-processed food items like noodles and pastas, he said.

On the other hand, Nepal demanded duty-free benefit on shipment of agricultural products, handicrafts and brooms. Nepal has also demanded Bangladesh's customs set the minimum import value, based on which duties are imposed on Nepalese products.

Nepalese customs also has two such rates for products entering it from abroad, a low one for India and a higher one for the rest of the world. Bangladesh demanded that its goods be valued as those of India, he said.

Once the draft of the PTA is finalized, it would be sent to the cabinet meeting for approval for formal signing between the two countries as soon as possible. It is expected that the PTA between Bangladesh and Nepal can be signed by the end of this year after completion of all formalities.