Bangkok:Bangladesh has urged Thailand to increase imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, jute, and jute products, while also seeking reductions in duties to narrow the bilateral trade gap and enhance competitiveness in the Thai market. These proposals were presented during the fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand, held at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam led the Bangladesh delegation, while Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi headed the Thai side. Thailand expressed its willingness to consider the proposals and expand bilateral trade and investment. The Thai delegation also requested the initiation of discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
The consultations reviewed various areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, connectivity, workers' migration, energy, agriculture, culture, education, training, defense, and climate change. Both sides welcomed the start of the first direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong ports, which is expected to significantly reduce transportation time and logistics costs, thereby boosting bilateral trade.
Bangladesh expressed interest in Thai technical cooperation and investment in processing fruits and vegetables, alongside technology transfer to access the global halal food market. The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme was discussed, with Bangladesh requesting professional training in hospitality, nursing, germplasm, and food processing. Additionally, Thailand showed interest in sharing its "One Village One Product" programme experience.
Both nations are considering memorandums of understanding on rice imports and workers' migration. Bangladesh, aiming to generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, sought Thailand's expertise in generating electricity from agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste.
Looking forward to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both countries emphasized political-level exchanges and hoped for visits by their heads of government to mark the occasion. They agreed on joint initiatives promoting cultural and sporting exchanges, with Bangladesh offering cricket expertise and Thailand offering taekwondo training.
Bangladesh appreciated Thailand's continued support for its ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner aspiration and its bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Additionally, Bangladesh sought Thailand's support for the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar's Rakhine State.
Both sides acknowledged the growing threats from cross-border crimes, such as human and arms trafficking, online scams, and narcotics trafficking, agreeing to work together to address these challenges. They also considered establishing a joint committee under their respective home ministries. The consultations concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to strengthening relations through enhanced bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.