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          Patna, May 6 (IANS) Impressed by Bihar's changing image and   development in the last few years, Bhutan is keen to sign a joint pact with the   state to promote tourism in its Buddhist circles, officials said   Friday.An official of the Bihar delegation, which accompanied Chief   Minister Nitish Kumar on a three-day visit to Bhutan, said officials of both   sides discussed launching of joint avenues to promote tourism.
 
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	  "Bhutan and Bihar are set to sign a joint pact to promote tourism in famous   Buddhist circles in the state," an official told IANS from Bhutan capital   Thimphu.
 Nitish Kumar left for Bhutan Wednesday. He has been invited by   Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Jigme   Thinley.
 
 According to officials, Nitish Kumar and Bhutan's Economic   Affairs Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk have decided that Bihar Tourism   Development Corporation and the Royal Bhutan Tourism Council will join hands to   find ways and means to promote facilities for tourists.
 
 Officials said   Bhutan and Bihar would explore avenues to make the stay of Bhutanese pilgrims   comfortable and offer land to set up tourist lodges and a Buddhist shrine at   Rajgir in Nalanda district.
 
 Bihar's Bodh Gaya town is a famous pilgrimage   destination for Buddhists. It is said that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment   in the town.
 
 Apparently Nitish Kumar has sought Bhutan's help in sharing   hydel power and has also held discussions with Bhutan's energy experts about   measures to make the state self-reliant in energy.
 
 At present, Bihar is   facing an acute power shortage that has led to widespread protests in many parts   of the state.
 
 
 
      
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