Today, Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, asked Thailand to look at investing opportunities in addition to special economic zones and high-tech parks, in Bangladesh’s hospitals and medical facilities.
“We discussed the possibility of cooperation on training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed him (Thai PM) to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh,” she said.
Following a bilateral meeting with her Thai colleague Srettha Thavisin at Government House, the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, today, the premier of Bangladesh made these remarks at a joint news conference.
Following the bilateral meeting and a t^te-…-t^te (one-to-one meeting), five bilateral documents – an agreement, three memorandum of understanding MoU) and a letter of intent (LOI) – were signed in presence of the two prime ministers.
“Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic, and common cultural heritage,” Sheikh Hasina remarked, saying that Bangladesh places a high value on its connections with Thailand as an immediate neighbor. Our two nations’ friendly and cordial ties are constantly expanding in a variety of sectors where collaboration is needed.”
The two presidents had a detailed discussion of mutually beneficial bilateral and regional topics during their bilateral encounter. “We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia,” stated the prime minister.
On trade cooperation, they discussed at length measures to enhance the current volume of the bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.
“I assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take the necessary measures for investment facilitation and ease of doing business in Bangladesh. I proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks and to take one SEZ, exclusively for Thailand,” said Sheikh Hasina.
She mentioned that the two parties had decided to start FTA negotiations by 2024 and that the relevant commerce ministers from both nations had signed a letter of intent (LOI) on the subject.
She stated that Dhaka and Bangkok signed the arrangement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports to enable easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi authorities, noting that the two nations previously have an arrangement for holders of diplomatic passports.
“For Bangladesh, Thailand is a potential partner to engage in energy cooperation. To explore the potential of energy cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation was the second instrument signed,” she said.
A third MoU has been signed on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. “To benefit from Thai knowledge, experiences, and best tourism practices, we signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of tourism,” said the premier.
She continued, “The two sides looked into the possibility of cooperation in the agriculture and food processing sectors to ensure food security for the people.”
Sheikh Hasina stated that the two parties talked on a direct shipping route between Chattogram Port and Ranong Port in terms of marine connectivity. Bangladesh has been closely monitoring Thailand’s flagship “Landbridge project” with keen interest.
She said, “I proposed to the Thai side to enhance cooperation among specialized universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing.”
The two prime ministers also discussed regional cooperation mechanisms under the BIMSTEC framework. Thailand, as the current chair and host of the Summit to be held later this year, will hand over the chairmanship to Bangladesh.
“We firmly believe that BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth for a total population of 1.8 billion. To achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh sought the support of Thailand,” she said.
She emphasized once more how crucial high-level contacts between the two nations are.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasina extended an invitation to Prime Minister Thavisin to visit Bangladesh once more.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed Sheikh Hasina to Government House earlier, and she was greeted warmly on the front lawn of the Thai Kooh Fah Building.
The prime minister of Bangladesh examined the guard of honor provided by a well-groomed contingent of Thai military personnel.
Sheikh Hasina signed the Government House guest book after Srettha Thavisin introduced her to his cabinet members.
There was also a tete-a-tete (one-on-one meeting) between the two leaders.
After attending an official luncheon, Sheikh Hasina departed from the Government House.
The premier of Bangladesh came here on Wednesday, April 24, for a six-day official visit to Thailand at her Thai counterpart’s request.
