JBS Vol 24. Num 2. 2022. Article 3 - Bangladesh-Bhutan Preferential Trade Agreement - WTO Compliance and Implications for LDC Graduation

The purpose of this article is to assess the prospects of the maiden Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Bhutan. The complexity of complying with the legal provisions of this PTA between a WTO member (Bangladesh) and a non-WTO member (Bhutan) has been scrutinized in light of GATT/WTO rules. Also, the trade development challenges of these trading partners have been presented. In addition, the Least Development Countries (LDC) graduation issue is a potential threat for each country as they become qualified to exit from the LDC category in the next few years. Therefore, the efficacy of this PTA is likely to be vital with regard to the economic growth and trade development of these countries.