BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL (BBIN) MVA

About: 

• What is BBIN? It is a proposed sub-regional motor vehicle agreement (MVA) between Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal. 
  
  
• Objective: To allow trucks and other commercial vehicles to ply on one another’s highways to facilitate trade. 
  
  
• Timeline: 
  • BBIN was mooted by the Indian government after Pakistan rejected the MVA at the SAARC summit in Kathmandu in 2014. 
    
    
  • The MVA of BBIN countries was signed in 2015 by the four member countries. 
    
    
  • Bangladesh, India and Nepal have ratified the agreement, but Bhutan is yet to accord its ratification of the agreement. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Bhutan’s Apprehensions: 
  • Bhutanese people fear that there will be environmental degradation and vehicular pollution if trucks from neighboring countries are given access to Bhutan. 
    
    
  • Bhutan prides itself on its “carbon neutrality” and preserving the environment. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Significance: BBIN is a big initiative in the region for improving rail and road connectivity in the region.