Bangkok:Bangladesh has proposed that Thailand increase its imports of pharmaceuticals and jute products from Bangladesh while reducing duties on Bangladeshi goods. This initiative is aimed at narrowing the bilateral trade gap between the two countries.
According to United News of Bangladesh, these proposals were discussed during the 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The Thai delegation expressed their willingness to consider these proposals and further expand bilateral trade and investment. Additionally, the Thai side requested the early initiation of discussions on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The consultations, led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam for Bangladesh and Permanent Secretary Eksiri Pintaruchi for Thailand, reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations. These included cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, workers' migration, energy, agriculture, cultural exchanges, education and training, defense, and climate change. The two sides also welcomed the commencement of the first direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong ports, which is expected to significantly reduce transportation time and logistics costs.
Bangladesh sought Thailand's technical cooperation and investment in fruit and vegetable processing and technology transfer for the global halal food market. Under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme, Bangladesh requested training for professionals in sectors such as hospitality, nursing, germplasm, and food processing. Thailand highlighted its experience with the 'One Village One Product' programme.
Both countries agreed to consider various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under discussion, including those on rice imports and workers' migration. As Bangladesh aims to generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, it sought Thailand's expertise in converting agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste into electricity.
Looking forward to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, both sides emphasized the importance of political exchanges and hoped for visits by heads of government to mark the occasion. Joint initiatives to promote cultural and sports exchanges were also agreed upon, with Bangladesh offering expertise in cricket and Thailand providing training in Taekwondo.
Bangladesh appreciated Thailand's support for its aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The delegation also sought Thailand's support in addressing the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. Both countries acknowledged the threat of cross-border crimes and agreed to consider establishing a joint committee to address these issues.