India-Bhutan ink pacts in hydrocarbon, energy efficiency & food safety

This will promote bilateral trade between the two nations and also help India enhance exports in the hydrocarbon areas, an official release said after the meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

One of the MoUs was signed between the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India and the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan, the release stated.

As part of this MoU, India aims to assist Bhutan in enhancing energy efficiency in the household sector by promoting a star labeling programme developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The formulation of building codes, to suite the climate condition of Bhutan, will be facilitated based with India's experience.

The creation of a pool of energy professionals at Bhutan is envisaged by institutionalizing the training of energy auditors.

The Union Cabinet also gave its approval of signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on the General Supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) and related products from India to Bhutan.

It aims to benefit India and its citizens with improved economic and commercial linkages with Bhutan irrespective of any gender, class or income bias, particularly in the area of hydrocarbon sector, the official release said.

This MoU will promote bilateral trade in the hydrocarbon sector and will ensure a secured and long-term supply of petroleum products to Bhutan.

Since exports play a crucial role in realizing self-reliance, the MoU will give thrust towards achieving the goal.

The MoU will be a strategic fit as Energy Bridge in India’s Neighborhood First Policy, it added.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of an Agreement between Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding cooperation in the areas of food safety.

The signing of this Agreement between BFDA, Ministry of Health, Bhutan and FSSAI, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India will facilitate the trade between two neighbouring countries.

BFDA will issue a Health Certificate as a proof of compliance with the requirements prescribed by FSSAI, while exporting the products to India.

This will promote Ease of Doing Business and will reduce compliance cost on both sides.

(With UNI inputs)