Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.
He sought Thailand’s investment in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
He said, ‘We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I have also offered him to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.’
The Prime Minister said these things in a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Shreta Thavisin at the Government House in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday.
After the meeting, five bilateral documents, one agreement, three memorandum of understanding (MOU) and one letter of intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.
He said, ‘Bangladesh attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand as its closest neighbour. Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are continuously growing in multi-faceted areas of cooperation.’
The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest in detail.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘We see Thailand as an important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia.’
On trade cooperation, they discussed long-term steps to increase the current volume of bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I have assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zone and hi-tech park and to have a special economic zone only for Thailand.’
Noting that both sides have agreed to start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, the commerce ministers of the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the issue.
Pointing out that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders, he said Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate smooth communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.
He also said, ‘Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh to be involved in energy cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation signed to explore the possibility of energy cooperation is the second document.
Source: UNB
Tags: Prime Minister calls Thailand explore investment opportunities hospitals medical facilities Bangladesh
