Staff Correspondent
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday asked Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.
She also sought Thai investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
“We discussed the possibility of cooperation on training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh,” she said.
The Bangladesh premier said this at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Government House (Thai Prime Minister’s Office) in Bangkok.
Five bilateral documents – an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) – were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers following the meeting.
She said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with Thailand as an immediate neighbour. “Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic, and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are ever-growing in multi-faceted areas of cooperation,” she said.
The two leaders discussed in detail the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. “We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia,” said the Bangladesh prime minister.
On trade cooperation, they discussed at length measures to enhance the current volume of 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 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 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Noting that the two sides agreed to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the year 2024, she said the concerned Ministers of Commerce of the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the issue.
To facilitate smooth contact between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, Dhaka and Bangkok signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports, she said adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.
“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 Memorandum of Understanding 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.
To ensure food security for our people, the two sides explored the possibility of collaboration in the agriculture and food processing sectors, she stated.
Regarding maritime connectivity, she said the two sides discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port. Bangladesh is following with great interest Thailand’s flagship “Landbridge project.”
“I proposed to the Thai side to enhance cooperation among specialized universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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 reiterated the importance of high-level visits between the two countries.
Prime Minister Hasina also invited Prime Minister Thavisin to undertake a return visit to Bangladesh.
Earlier on her arrival at Government House, she was received by Thavisin and then she was accorded a warm welcome at the front lawn of Thai Kooh Fah Building.
The Bangladesh premier arrived in Thailand on Wednesday on a six-day official visit at the invitation of her Thai counterpart.
